Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Awareness Elderly
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every September 22
Holiday emoji:: 🩹

Falls Prevention Awareness Day occurs every September 22, urging us to recognize and address the leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits. Take action by assessing home safety, reviewing medications, and engaging in balance-improving exercises to protect yourself and loved ones.

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Expected Falls Prevention Awareness Day Deals

On Falls Prevention Awareness Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial awareness and fundraising efforts. Organizations like the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the CDC, and local health departments partner with corporate sponsors to host free screenings, educational workshops, and community events. Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s may offer discounts on home safety products such as grab bars, non-slip mats, and improved lighting. Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens often provide medication reviews to identify drugs that increase fall risk. Look for donation-matching programs from health insurance providers and medical alert system companies like Philips Lifeline. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as September 22 approaches.

Platform Guide for Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #FallsPrevention. Share infographics on fall risks or short videos demonstrating simple balance exercises.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FallsPrevention. Post community event details or share personal stories of how prevention helped a loved one.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #FallsPrevention. Disseminate key statistics about fall-related injuries and link to reputable prevention resources.

Falls Prevention Awareness Day Hero

Dr. Mary Tinetti

Dr. Mary Tinetti is a renowned geriatrician and researcher at Yale School of Medicine, widely recognized for her pioneering work in fall prevention. Her research has significantly advanced our understanding of fall risk factors and led to the development of effective intervention strategies, emphasizing personalized approaches to reduce falls among older adults. She champions a shift from single-risk-factor interventions to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

History of Falls Prevention Awareness Day

As people get older, many of their faculties begin to weaken. Eyesight becomes poorer, muscles deteriorate as does coordination. In 1972, Psychology professor Dibner saw a way to help the elderly during this phase of their life. Dibner came up with an idea for a personal emergency response system when they were injured and unable to get to a phone. They could use the device to call for help and in 1976 he was awarded the patent for Lifeline Systems.

Dibner’s invention took off. It gave the elderly the assistance they needed, and their loved ones a sense of relief knowing that they had direct access to medical services. In 1987, Life Alert was created by Isaac Shepher. This gadget could be worn as a necklace or a wristband with an automated dialer that connected to a telephone line. As more emergency response systems were created, they became more accessible, and they were able to help more people in need.

In the 1990s, Life Alert became known by everyone because of its memorable commercial. It showed an elderly woman that falls and uses the medical alert pendant by saying the catchphrase “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” which became famous. The brand visibility of this commercial helped get more of these devices into homes.

In 2007, four state falls prevention coalitions observed Falls Prevention Awareness Day on a state level. The next year, The Falls Free State Coalitions on Falls Prevention Workgroup requested that Falls Prevention Awareness Day be on the first day of fall. Since then, many states have come together to help solve the problem of public health issues related to fallen injuries by working with medical professionals and supporters.

Falls Prevention Awareness Day timeline

1972

A life-saving idea was born

Dr. Andrew Dibner, a gerontologist, was the first person to think of a life alert service that could call for emergency help when an elderly person is unable to get to their phone. It was known as the Automatic Alarm System.

1976

Patent Pending

Psychology professor Dibner is awarded the patent for Lifeline medical alert services.

1987

Health and Fashion

Isaac Shepher creates Life Alert, a medical alert pendant that can be worn as a necklace or a wristband.

1992

Catchphrase

Life Alert commercials become memorable with the catchphrase, "I've fallen and I can't get up!"

2008

In the Fall

Falls Prevention Awareness Day starts at the beginning of the fall season and more states join in as the years go on.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Local businesses can significantly contribute to Falls Prevention Awareness Day by promoting safety and offering relevant services. Home improvement stores can host workshops on installing grab bars and improving lighting, while pharmacies can offer free medication reviews to identify fall-risk drugs. Fitness centers can provide discounted balance and strength classes for seniors. Even restaurants can ensure clear, well-lit pathways and non-slip surfaces to protect patrons, demonstrating a commitment to community well-being.

Falls Prevention Awareness Day FAQs

When is Falls Prevention Awareness Day?

Falls Prevention Awareness Day 2026 is observed on Tuesday, September 22. This annual observance raises critical awareness about preventing falls and related injuries.

How many falls occur annually in older adults?

According to the CDC, approximately 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year, resulting in over 32,000 deaths. This highlights the significant public health challenge falls present.

What are the main causes of falls?

Falls are often caused by a combination of factors, including muscle weakness, balance problems, vision impairment, certain medications, and environmental hazards like uneven surfaces or poor lighting.

What are common fall prevention strategies?

Effective strategies include regular exercise to improve strength and balance, reviewing medications with a doctor, getting regular eye exams, and making home modifications like installing handrails and improving lighting.

How To Observe Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Spend time with the elderly
Spend some time with an elderly person that you know and let them know that you’re there for them. Senior citizens can often feel like they’re a burden to their family and friends. Remind them that you’re there if they need anything and ensure that they’re taking care of themselves.
Celebrate with education-based activities
There are state and national activities that you can take part in. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) celebrates Falls Prevention Awareness Day with screening education, advocacy activities, and community-based falls prevention programs. Get informed and get active to spread awareness.
Become an activist for the elderly
There are small yet important things that can make life easier for the elderly. Look around your home and community and consider how they can be affected by the environment. Check for stairs without handrails, slippery bathtubs that could use mats, and uneven floors and bring them up to the proper parties to provide a safer space.

Five Facts About Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Falls per second
An adult aged 65 or older falls every second of the day in the United States.
The price of falling
Medicare costs of falls that require medical treatment were more than $31 billion in 2015.
Injury per year
More than 3 million older adults are treated for fall-related injuries each year.
Brain trauma
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Worldwide stats
Falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide.

Why Falls Prevention Awareness Day Is Important

Respect your elders
It’s said that we are to judge a society by how it treats the weakest members. By that rationale, we need to be doing more for our elderly who are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. It speaks to our character as a nation and they deserve that respect.
Injuries will worsen if we don’t do something
If we don't prevent these falls, another is likely to happen, and it could be possibly fatal the next time. When an elderly person falls, the injuries that they sustain can limit their mobility afterward, making getting around that much more difficult. By helping to minimize the first one, we can lower these incidences.
More time with the elderly
Those that are advanced in age already have a limited time with us and we need to treasure every moment we have with them. By spreading awareness and ensuring that their health is protected gives us more of these moments to create cherished memories with our loved ones.