Nevada Goes Falls Free Coalition

For adults 65+, a simple fall at home can actually be one of the biggest risks to brain health 🧠. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adults.

Each year, over 1 in 4 seniors age 65+ fall, and many of those falls lead to serious consequences like head injuries or worse.

It only takes one slip — so while we age, strength, balance, and awareness become more than just fitness goals. They’re safety goals. 🧍‍♂️💙

🚨 Falls prevention matters — and it pays off. 🚨
Did you know that over 36 million falls happen every year among older adults — costing the U.S. around $80 billion in non-fatal injury care?

But here’s the hopeful part: evidence-based falls prevention programs (like Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, A Matter of Balance, Otago, and Stepping On) are incredibly effective.
Key wins from the data:
✔️ 52% fewer times people fell
✔️ 56% fewer injurious falls
✔️ 18% fewer ER visits due to falls
And when you look at the money? These programs save an average of $3,904 per person, with a total projected savings of over $1 billion — that’s a return of $8.36 to $38.04 for every $1 invested.

Advocacy ask: Let’s raise awareness and push for more funding + access to these programs at state and federal levels.

Check out the full report from NCOA:
https://www.ncoa.org/article/return-on-investment-of-evidence-based-falls-prevention-programs/

🌀 Feeling dizzy or unsteady? Don’t ignore it.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of dizziness—and it can double your risk of falling. It can make walking slower, affect your balance, and cause unsteadiness when turning your head or walking in narrow spaces. As we age, the chances of experiencing dizziness by BPPV increases.

The good news? There are treatments that can help restore balance and reduce falls. Doctors can prescribe medications to reduce dizziness, in the short-term. To treat the root cause, a physical therapist can guide you through balance exercises to help you regain confidence and prevent future falls.

💬 If dizziness or imbalance is getting in your way—don’t wait. Talk with your doctor or a PT to get checked and take steps toward steadier movement.

💡 Myth vs Reality: Falls in Older Adults 💡
Let’s bust some common fall myths 👇

🚫 Myth: “Falling won’t happen to me.”
✅ Reality: 1 in 4 older adults fall each year in the U.S.

🚫 Myth: “If I limit my activity, I won’t fall.”
✅ Reality: Inactivity actually increases fall risk! Staying active helps maintain balance and independence.

🚫 Myth: “If I stay home, I’m safe.”
✅ Reality: Over half of falls happen at home—check your space for hazards!

Staying active and proactive is the key to fall prevention. 💪

🌟 Get moving with Active Living Every Day! 🌟

This evidence-based program is designed to help older adults gradually build a more active lifestyle without the pressure. 💪

Here’s what’s included:
✅ Practical strategies to increase daily physical activity
✅ Goal-setting and self-monitoring tips to stay on track
✅ Problem-solving techniques for overcoming barriers
✅ Supportive community environment to keep you motivated

Whether you’re taking your first steps toward more activity or looking to stay consistent, ALED gives you the tools to move more and feel better every day!

🩺 Chronic health issues + fall risk = a connection we can’t ignore. 💡

Many older adults managing arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, or sensory loss also face increased chances of a fall — because these conditions often reduce strength, mobility, and balance.

We have an opportunity to bridge care:
• If you have a chronic condition, try to identify fall-risk factors. Consider seeing a PT for an assessment.
• Participate in programs that address both chronic-disease self-management and falls prevention.
• See healthcare providers that build a continuum of care that spans condition-management and movement safety.

When we see the bigger picture — managing chronic conditions and preventing falls — we are empowered to live stronger, safer, and more independently.

👟 Take “Healthy Steps” toward fall prevention!

The Healthy Steps for Older Adults program is an evidence-based workshop proven to reduce falls.

🧠 Participants learn about:
-Home safety and fall risk factors
-Balance and strength exercises
-Medication management
-Vision and hearing considerations
-Social connection and community resources

💡 Designed for adults 50+, this program reinforces prevention strategies at home and in the community!

Did you know:
• 1 in 4 adults 65+ falls each year.
• Each year, 3 million+ older adults are treated in ERs for injuries from falls.
• Regular activity helps: only about 23% of people age 65+ meet the recommended guidelines for aerobic + muscle-strengthening exercise.

Small steps matter: strength and balance work, even a few days a week, can help reduce fall risk. 💪

Let’s move, stay steady, and live independently!

Caregivers play a vital role in preventing falls. 👣

Programs like Powerful Tools for Caregivers help build the skills and confidence to support loved ones safely — from spotting hazards to encouraging healthy habits. When caregivers are supported, older adults stay safer and more independent. 💪

📚https://www.ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-program-powerful-tools-for-caregivers/

💪 Staying active is key to preventing falls — and it starts with finding an exercise program you love! ❤️

Here are 5 simple ways to get moving safely:
1️⃣ Exercise regularly — Follow your PT’s recommendations to build strength and balance.
2️⃣ Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (eldercare.acl.gov) — Your community AAA will offer programs close to you.
3️⃣ Visit your senior center — Many offer great classes for healthy aging.
4️⃣ Bring a friend — It’s more fun and motivating together.
5️⃣ Try online options — Join balance or exercise programs from the comfort of home.

Every step counts toward staying strong, steady, and independent. 🌟

Let’s start the conversation that matters 👥✨ Talking with loved ones about fall prevention isn’t just caring — it’s lifesaving.

Here are 5 ways to help reduce the risk together:

Bring it up gently — approach with empathy, not fear

Make it a team effort — share responsibilities to reduce fall risk

Set small, practical goals (like moving rugs, installing hand rails)

Stay active — strength & balance = reduced fall risk and better confidence

Check in often — keep the dialogue open about falls

Because aging well means looking out for each other. 💛

It’s never too late to prevent a fall! 💪

The Nevada Goes Falls Free Coalition and our partners offer workshops to get you moving, improve your balance, and educate you on falls prevention.

Check out some of the workshops being offered this month! 🧡