Falls Prevention: Small Steps That Can Help Protect Mobility and Independence

Falls can happen to anyone, but the risk becomes more important to address as we age. More than 14 million Americans age 65 and older - about 1 in 4 older adults - report falling each year, making falls a leading cause of injury among older adults.

During Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 21–25, 2026, the National Council on Aging encourages older adults, caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals to raise awareness about practical ways to reduce fall risk and support safe, confident movement.

At Core Products International, we believe maintaining mobility starts with paying attention to strength, balance, vision, medications, the home environment, footwear, and changes in the way we walk.

Why Falls Deserve Attention

Falls are a common cause of serious injuries in older adults, including hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Nearly 300,000 older adults are hospitalized each year for hip fractures related to falls. Fall risk often increases when several factors occur together, including lower-body weakness, balance problems, vision changes, certain medications, poor footwear, and hazards around the home. Recognizing these risks is an important first step.

5 Practical Ways to Help Reduce Fall Risk

1. Make the Home Easier to Navigate

Everyday household items can become tripping hazards. Consider:

Removing or securing loose rugs
Keeping hallways and walkways free of clutter
Improving lighting, especially around stairs
Addressing loose cords or uneven flooring
Adding appropriate handrails or grab bars where needed

2. Work on Strength and Balance

Regular physical activity can help support strength, balance, and mobility. Depending on your health and abilities, activities may include walking, strength exercises, balance training, or Tai Chi.

Talk with a healthcare professional about what type of activity is appropriate for you.

3. Review Vision and Medications

Changes in vision can affect depth perception and obstacle awareness, while some prescription and over-the-counter medications may cause drowsiness or affect steadiness.

Schedule regular vision exams and periodically review medications with your physician or pharmacist. Do not stop or change medications without professional guidance.

4. Pay Attention to Changes in the Way You Walk

Changes in walking may be easy to overlook. Signs worth discussing with a healthcare professional can include:

Shuffling or uneven steps
Reduced balance
Difficulty lifting one foot
Toes catching on the floor
Lifting the knee unusually high while walking

One condition that can affect walking is foot drop.

What Is Foot Drop?

Foot drop (also commonly called Drop Foot) describes difficulty lifting the front portion of the foot. While walking, this may cause the toes to drag or make it harder to clear the ground.

Foot drop is a symptom rather than a disease and can be associated with neurological, muscular, spinal, or nerve-related conditions. Possible causes include stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, ALS, spinal cord injuries, spinal stenosis, diabetic neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, muscular dystrophy, and injury or compression of the peroneal nerve.

It may also occur following certain knee, hip, or leg injuries or surgeries. Because causes vary, new or worsening foot drop should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Depending on the individual, management may involve rehabilitation, exercise, assistive devices, or an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO).

Featured Product: FootFlexor® AFO Foot Drop Brace

For individuals who have been evaluated for foot drop, the Core Products FootFlexor® AFO Foot Drop Brace offers a flexible approach to dorsiflexion assistance.

The FootFlexor uses an adjustable tension-cord system designed to help lift the forefoot during the swing phase of walking, supporting toe clearance while allowing more natural foot movement. Its lightweight design works with lace-up shoes or boots, and the level of support can be adjusted to individual needs.

The FootFlexor is available in two size ranges, with replacement clips and tensioners also available.

The FootFlexor should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, who can help determine whether an AFO is appropriate for an individual's condition and mobility needs.

Important: The FootFlexor is not a stand-alone fall-prevention device or a guarantee against falling. Foot-drop support may be one part of a broader mobility and safety plan.

5. Know Your Personal Fall Risk

You do not have to wait until after a fall to think about prevention. Resources such as the National Council on Aging's Falls Free® CheckUp and the CDC's STEADI program can help older adults and caregivers identify potential risk factors and prepare for conversations with healthcare providers.

Falls Prevention Is About the Bigger Picture

Reducing fall risk is about recognizing where additional support may be helpful. Keep the home environment safe, stay appropriately active, have vision checked, review medications, wear supportive footwear, and pay attention when walking begins to feel different.

For someone experiencing toe dragging or difficulty lifting the front of the foot, that may also mean asking a healthcare professional about foot drop and whether a support such as the FootFlexor® AFO may be appropriate.

A few thoughtful changes today can help support safer movement, greater confidence, and continued independence tomorrow.

Learn more about the FootFlexor® AFO Foot Drop Brace at CoreProducts.com.

This information is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about individual fall risk, changes in walking, or the appropriate use of an ankle-foot orthosis.

REFERENCES:

https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/

https://www.ncoa.org/page/falls-prevention-awareness-week-toolkit/

https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/

https://www.cdc.gov/falls/prevention/

https://www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/

https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/patient-resources/

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/foot-drop-syndrome