Stay Connected and Prevent Falls: Two Small Things in Older Adults' Daily Lives
U.S. statistics show that nearly one in four older adults have experienced social isolation, and more than one in four fall each year. These data remind us that staying in touch with older adults, paying attention to fall risks in the home environment, and having eyes checked regularly are all important and common safety matters.
Machine translation of our Chinese article, without human translation review. Suggestions concerning China remain specific to China.
Automatically reviewed, without human verification. Programmatic checks are not professional review. Seek professional advice where appropriate. Automatically reviewed on 10/4/2026, 7:14:25 AM
Chinese fact summaries and suggestions for China (not a full translation)
Original: Information for Health Care Providers | Still Going Strong | CDC · Original language: en
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Facts from the sources
In the United States, nearly one in four older adults have experienced social isolation. View source
Chronic loneliness and social isolation may have significant adverse effects on physical health and emotional health. View source
In the United States, more than one in four older adults fall each year, and after falling once, the chance of falling again increases. View source
Among unintentional injury deaths of adults aged 65 and older in the United States, more than half are caused by falls. View source
In 2022, nearly 50 million older adults in the United States held a driver's license and drove. View source
Older adults may consider having their eyes examined by an ophthalmologist at least once a year and updating their glasses as needed. View source
For older people and families
Call or video call older adults at fixed times, so they know someone is thinking of them.
When older adults say they feel bored or have no one to talk to, listen carefully and don't rush to judge.
Check whether floors at home are uneven and whether the edges of floor mats could trip someone.
Leave a small night light on in the evening to make it convenient for older adults to get up during the night.
If an older adult has fallen once, take it more seriously; you may consult a doctor for a fall-prevention assessment.
Remind older adults to have an eye examination once a year; changes in vision can affect walking and driving.
Before older adults drive, pay attention to their reaction speed and physical condition; if uncertain, ask a professional to evaluate.
See what care and community teams can do
Before organizing community social activities, first understand older adults' wishes and mobility, and do not only look at the number of participants.
Home fall-prevention modifications require professionals to conduct on-site assessment of floors, handrails, lighting, and other elements; do not simply carry out construction by following a checklist.
When conducting fall-risk screening, explain that the proportions in U.S. statistics do not represent the individual risk of each older adult.
The community may remind older adults to have eye examinations, but the examination and prescription are completed by ophthalmologists.
When providing driving safety courses for older adults, it is necessary to cooperate with medical institutions and make clear that age is not the only criterion for judgment.
When establishing a regular contact system for older adults living alone, respect their privacy and independent choices, and avoid excessive disturbance.
What needs local assessment
The data cited in this article describe the situation of older adults in the United States and cannot be directly applied to the current situation in China. The proportions in the statistics are group-level phenomena and do not represent any individual older adult's personal risk. When medical treatment, load-bearing modifications, slip-resistance ratings, vision prescriptions, or driving eligibility are involved, please consult professional doctors, rehabilitation therapists, or aging-friendly renovation agencies in China, and have professionals verify on site. Fact source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Source: CDC). The original materials are freely available on the CDC website. This website and its localization recommendations do not represent endorsement by CDC, HHS, or the U.S. government; no images or logos have been reproduced.
Sources
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Was this article helpful?
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