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Helping older adults reduce their risk of falling


In Oregon, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults 65 and older. One in three older adults falls each year, and 20 to 30 percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries, such as bruises, hip fractures, and head traumas.

While falling is common to people of all ages, the severity of injury for older adults can result in a loss of mobility and independence. However, many falls are preventable; there are proven interventions that can help older adults reduce their risk of falling and live longer, healthier lives.





PLEASE NOTE: These programs, classes, and trainings are offered by organizations outside of OHA. OHA does not provide or teach these classes or trainings. 


  • ​ The CDC's STEADI Initiative offers health care providers a variety of resources to help reduce the risk of their older adult patients from falling. Resources include trainings, videos, assessment tools, evaluations guides, brochures, and much more

  • Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is a simplified eight-form program derived from Yang-style Tai Chi, that helps older adults improve their balance and reduce the likelihood of falling when practiced for at least 12 weeks.

  • The Otago Exercise Program is an individually tailored balance and strength program delivered by physical therapists in the home.
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  • ​​PLEASE NOTE: These programs, classes, and trainings are offered by organizations outside of OHA. OHA does not provide or teach these classes or trainings:
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  • Better Bones & Balance®: 2025 new instructor training! Looking to become a certified Better Bones & Balance® instructor? Join us for our annual New Instructor Training! This hybrid course consists of online, asynchronous learning materials and one day of in-person, practical training. Saturday, August 23, 2025, 8:00am-5:00pm. LBCC Benton Center, 757 NW Polk Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330. For more information, visit: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/bbb/new-instructors. Sponsored by Oregon State University Extension Service and Linn-Benton Community College Community Education. 



  • Better Bones & Balance® is a community-based fall and fracture risk-reduction exercise program that was developed at Oregon State University. Classes are delivered by community fitness instructors who were trained and certified through OSU Extension and local partners.


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  • ​Disclaimer of Endorsement: 
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  • AARP HomeFit Guide provides smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe and a great fit for older adults — and people of all ages.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of organizations that may be able to provide home modifications, such as handrails, grab bars, and wheelchair ramps to the public for the purposes of falls prevention and accessibility. These organizations may be able to provide these services free of charge using federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for anyone who meets their eligibility requirements.