The New York State Department of Health, along with several partner organizations, will expand access to evidence-based falls prevention programs for adults over 60 and those with disabilities across the state. The initiative aims to reach individuals facing the greatest social or economic challenges.
“Every New Yorker should be able to age with dignity and independence,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The fear of falling or an actual fall can take that independence away. By expanding evidence-based community programs, we can make falls prevention resources available to older adults and those with disabilities to help reduce accidents and associated complications.”
New York has one of the largest populations of older adults in the country, and there has been a significant increase in the number living below the poverty line over the past decade. This rise is linked to a higher risk of falls among this group. Even without injury, fear of falling can limit activities and independence, leading to further decline.
Greg Olsen, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging, stated: “Expanding fall prevention programs across the state is pivotal because falls are preventable and there are proven ways to reduce and prevent them. I applaud the Department of Health for their continuous efforts to help ensure older adults stay healthy and active. NYSOFA’s goal is to help older New Yorkers live as independently and actively as possible for as long as possible and increasing preventative programs across the state will do just that.”
The program is funded by a $1.25 million three-year demonstration grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living. It aims to improve access to falls prevention through partnerships with organizations such as Stony Brook Medicine, Brain Injury Association of New York State, Mental Health Association of New York, Seneca Nation Area Office for the Aging, among others.
Community partners will use person-centered approaches in delivering these programs, measure outcomes, evaluate impacts, develop resources, and share best practices so others can replicate successful models statewide.
Existing programs like A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, and Stay Active and Independent for Life will be expanded. These offerings will be adapted for different skill levels and include more virtual options.
The demonstration seeks to create a model that delivers trauma-informed and culturally appropriate falls prevention services statewide targeting adults 60+ who have high economic or social needs as well as people with disabilities.
Falls remain a major public health issue in New York; they are currently the leading cause of injury deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits among residents aged 60 or older. In 2023 alone there were over 1,800 deaths from falls in this age group alongside more than 78,000 hospitalizations and 182,000 emergency visits due to fall injuries. Over five years from 2018–2023 there was a notable increase: fall-related deaths rose by 25 percent while hospitalizations increased by 13 percent and emergency visits by 15 percent.
Preventing falls among older adults is identified as a priority in New York’s 2025–2030 Prevention Agenda—a plan recommending strategies such as home safety checklists, participation in evidence-based programs like those being expanded now, and encouraging healthcare providers to screen patients for fall risks.
More information about these initiatives can be found on the Department’s website dedicated to injury prevention.
