Fall Prevention

Falls are the main reason why older adults lose their independence. Although the risk factors increase with age, falls are not an inevitable part of aging.

Preventing falls may even save your life!

Use this section of our Seniors website to assess your risk and plan the necessary changes.

How Important is it to Stay on Your Feet?

• Without prevention efforts, about one third of people aged 65 years and over typically fall once or more each year.
• Falls usually happen due to the combined effects of factors that can be prevented.
• Most falls occur in seniors’ homes, while doing usual daily activities.
• The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling.
• Staying fall-free can help you to stay independent and avoid the need to enter a long-term care facility.

Key Ways to Prevent Falls

• Improve your mobility and balance
• Increase your physical activity and muscle strength
• Follow the Canadian guidelines for calcium vitamin D
• Have regular vision check-ups and correcting vision problems
• Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist
• Reduce trip and slip hazards in your home or outdoors

Fall Prevention Resources

You can find lots of fall prevention information, including brochures and pamphlets, research papers, and websites collected from around the world on our page:

• Resources to Learn More

About This Section

The pages in this "Fall Prevention" section are designed to provide information on fall prevention. It has been developed by the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the B.C. Injury Research and Prevention Unit.

It has information for older adults, their relatives and caregivers, as well as health professionals and care providers.

The goal of this site is to provide detailed and up-to-date information on prevention, causes, consequences and treatment of falls among older people and provide information on staying independent.