According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 4 U.S. adults aged 65 and older, totaling more than 14 million people, experience a fall each year. Falls are a leading cause of injury in this age group, with approximately 37 percent of falls resulting in injuries requiring medical treatment or activity restrictions.

To combat the risk of falls, experts recommend measures such as fall-proofing the home environment, managing medications carefully, regular vision checks, and staying physically active. The World Health Organization suggests that adults engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week to help prevent falls and enjoy other health benefits.

A study conducted on over 7,100 older Australian women underscores the importance of adhering to the WHO activity recommendations. The research revealed that those who followed the physical activity guidelines were less likely to experience falls, with or without injury, compared to their less active counterparts.

While physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of falls among older adults, the National Institute on Aging highlights the importance of addressing the fear of falling that many seniors develop. This fear can lead to reduced activity levels and subsequently increase the likelihood of experiencing a fall.

By promoting regular physical activity and addressing the fear of falling, older adults can take proactive steps to maintain their health and independence as they age.