Health Promotion Research Center

Falls affect us all. Think of older adults in your life—parents, grandparents, extended family, friends, and neighbors. Every second of every day, an older adult suffers a fall, and many of those will require emergency medical care for serious, catastrophic injuries. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death for older adults. But falls can be prevented. Vision:F3’s academic-community-national partnership mobilizes fall prevention interests across healthcare, housing, social service, public and private sectors at local, regional and national levels. Together we can build capacity to deliver proven fall prevention programs to older adults where it matters—in their communities through trusted community organizations.

Taking STEPS towards Vision:F3

Here are the STEPS we are taking towards Vision:F3

  • Supported: Community Organizations are supported in fall prevention program delivery with training, technical assistance, data management and communities or practice.
  • Tailored: Existing evidence-based fall prevention programs can be adapted for cultural, linguistic and contextual needs of diverse communities and continue to maintain their proven effectiveness. 
  • Equitable: Vision:F3 is committed to reaching communities underserved by fall prevention, including communities of color, native and indigenous communities, immigrant and refugee communities, diverse language communities, and rural communities. 
  • Proven: In addition to the current suite of evidence-based fall prevention programs, Vision:F3 is engaged in developing and evaluating a flexible approach to programs where community organizations can choose fall prevention elements that meet their needs from a menu of proven components. 
  • Sustainable: Vision:F3 supports education and advocacy to ensure that fall prevention program funding is stable, consistent and reliable so communities don’t lose their programs due to time-bound grant cycles. 

Vision:F3 Collaborators

Key Partners

Sound Generations

Sound Generations is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington, that provides a range of services and support to older adults and adults with disabilities, helping them maintain independence, health, and well-being through programs like meals, transportation, fitness, and social engagement.
National Council On Aging

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the health and economic security of older adults, providing resources, programs, and initiatives to help them live healthier, more independent lives.

Additional Partners

Logos for the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability, Zinnia, AgeSpan, the Partners in Care Foundation and the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging

Success Stories

older adults participate in a group class for seated exercise

Explore success stories from various falls prevention programs across the United States. These stories showcase how different communities have implemented effective strategies to reduce the risk of falls among older adults, including community partnerships, innovative interventions, and education initiatives. These unique and tailored approaches have helped enhance the safety and well-being of older adults, serving as a model for others looking to implement similar falls prevention efforts.

Learn More

Resources

Events

National Falls Prevention Summit

The National Council on Aging is planning a National Falls Prevention Summit, bringing together stakeholders to update the 2015 National Falls Prevention Action Plan. The event (by invitation only) is scheduled for September 2024 in Arlington, VA, and is funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living. NCOA is inviting key stakeholders like all of you to complete a survey aimed at capturing progress, gaps, and opportunities regarding older adult falls risk, falls, and fall-related injuries. The results of this survey will be used to inform the National Falls Prevention Summit agenda and build a foundation for updating the National Falls Prevention Action Plan.

National Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2024

Dates: Sept. 23-27 2024
National Falls Prevention Awareness Week is an annual event coordinated by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to raise awareness about fall-related injuries among older adults and to promote strategies for preventing falls. The week typically takes place in September and involves educational activities, resources, and community events aimed at empowering older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce the risk of falls. Each year has a specific theme and NCOA typically provides a toolkit with resources (including social media best practices) for the month. The overarching goal is to enhance the health and safety of older adults, enabling them to maintain their independence and quality of life.

Older Americans Month

Dates: Every year during the month of May
Older Americans Month, celebrated each May, is an annual observance led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to honor and recognize the contributions of older adults across the United States. The event highlights the importance of community involvement, resilience, and wellness among older Americans, encouraging society to ensure their continued well-being and participation in various aspects of life. Last years theme was Powered by Connection

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Dates: Every year during the month of May
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, observed each May, promotes the importance of regular physical activity for all ages, emphasizing the role of exercise in maintaining overall health and well-being. For older adults, staying physically active is particularly crucial as it strengthens muscles, improves balance, and enhances flexibility—all key factors in preventing falls. By encouraging older adults to engage in regular fitness routines, National Physical Fitness and Sports Month directly supports fall prevention efforts, helping reduce the risk of fall-related injuries and enabling older adults to maintain their independence.

In the News

Evidence for Aging Services in a Dynamic World

Explore the evolving landscape of aging services and better understand the need for innovation and flexibility in aging services to effectively meet the changing needs of older adults.

READ MORE

US House of Representatives Push Cuts to Many Older Adult Programs

Learn how the ACL is driving innovative solutions to improve the lives of older adults and prevent falls.

READ MORE

Enhanced Fitness: Partnering to Improve Community Health

Enhanced Fitness is an exercise initiative designed to improve the health and well-being of older adults through regular physical activity, focusing on enhancing strength, balance and flexibility—all critical components in preventing falls.

READ MORE

Best Practices for Remote Delivery of Fall Prevention Programs

Learn about strategies that can be applied to fall prevention programs to ensure they are accessible and impactful even in virtual settings.
READ MORE

Policy Highlights

Research, Demonstration, and Evaluation Center for the Aging Network

Learn more about the Research, Demonstration, and Evaluation Center for the Aging Network.

LEARN MORE

Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging

Explore the Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging, including the appendix focused on older adult falls.

LEARN MORE

Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities

Learn about how the Administration for Community Living is leading cross-agency efforts to support safe and healthful aging.

LEARN MORE

United States Preventive Services Task Force

Learn about the new falls prevention recommendations just released by the United States Preventive Services task Force.

LEARN MORE

Government Accountability Office

Explore recommendations from the Government Accountability Office on fall prevention for older adults and for adults with disabilities.

LEARN MORE

Healthy People 2030

Read about the fall prevention objectives included in Healthy People 2030.

LEARN MORE

Healthcare Quality Measures

Learn about the healthcare quality measures for clinical management of falls in primary care.

LEARN MORE

Special Committee on Aging, United States Senate

Read the report by the Special Committee on Aging in the United States Senate titled Falls Prevention: National, State, and Local Solutions to Better Support Seniors.

LEARN MORE

Office of Housing and Urban Development

Read the report by the Office of Housing and Urban Development titled Overcoming Obstacles to Policies for Preventing Falls by the Elderly.

LEARN MORE

Science & Publications

Health Promotion Research Center Publications

Sound Generations Publications