Falls in older adults are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are a major class of preventable injuries.

Falls can be prevented by ensuring that carpets are tacked down, that objects like electric cords are not in one's path, that hearing and vision are optimized, dizziness is minimized, alcohol intake is moderated and that shoes have low heels or rubber soles.

[4] A review of clinical trial evidence by the European Food Safety Authority led to a recommendation that people over the age of 60 years should supplement the diet with vitamin D to reduce the risk of falling and bone fractures.

[9] ProFane recommended that a fall be defined as "an unexpected event in which the participants come to rest on the ground, floor, or lower level.

Such factors as lighting and illumination, personal aid equipment and floor traction are all important in fall prevention.

An assessment with an occupational therapist may be helpful to determine an appropriate rehabilitation plan to prevent falls by taking into consideration both the person and their living environment.

[14][18] Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been suggested as a prevention approach to improve confidence and help older people reduce the fear of falling.

The kit also has bed posters with brief text and an accompanying icon, patient education handouts, and plans of care, all communicating patient-specific alerts to key stakeholders.

Older adults who report falls should be asked about their circumstances and frequency to assess risks from gait and balance which may be compromised.

A clinician performs a fall risk assessment, to include history, physical exam, functional capability, and environment.

These include policies put in place by governments for vitamin supplementation, maintenance programs to reduce risks in public spaces and homes, public health programs offering exercise classes and sharing resources widely (not just to people identified as being high risk), improving access to gyms (for example allowing seniors to access a gym for free if over a certain age).

Indirect costs include the loss of productivity of family caregivers and long-term effects of fall-related injuries such as disability, dependence on others and reduced quality of life.