Send us Fan Mail Falls can feel like a private problem, but the truth is bigger and more solvable than most of us realize. I’m joined by Emily Neighbors and Victoria Ring from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to talk about falls prevention for older adults and why going upstream matters when the cost is independence, health, and even life. We get real about the personal stakes, the hidden stigma that keeps people quiet after a fall, and the simple steps that can reduce fall risk at any age. We break down the data behind older adult falls, including why so many incidents never make it into a doctor’s chart, and what changes when someone speaks up. We cover practical fall-prevention strategies you can act on right away. Then we shift to community solutions. NCOA supports state falls prevention coalitions that bring together healthcare, public health, senior services, libraries, fire departments, contractors, and community members with lived experience. You’ll hear standout examples from across the country and how Falls Prevention Awareness Week becomes a moment to rally, share resources, and build safer neighborhoods for everyone to age in place. Key Takeaways While falls are common among older adults, many falls can be prevented. By understanding their personal risk factors and making small changes, older adults can improve their safety, confidence, and ability to remain active and independent.Preventing falls is everyone's responsibility. We all have a role to play in creating a society where older Americans can continue to live with dignity and safety as they age.Falls are a complex problem that requires a collaborative solution. State falls prevention coalitions are an essential mechanism for uniting multi-disciplinary stakeholders and community members to collaboratively design and implement strategies to reduce falls. People can reduce their risk of falling. The first step is to learn about your individual fall risks, healthcare services and community programs in your area, and the simple steps you can take in your daily life to reduce your risk of falls. State falls prevention coalitions are an excellent source of information for consumers and providers, including educational resources, training, collaborative opportunities, and connecting with falls prevention services and programs in your state.Coalitions can do more than one individual or organization could accomplish alone. Galvanizing members' expertise, skills, resources, and passion, coalitions can make an impact in their state and offer individual, organizational, and community-level benefits to participating members.If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with someone you love, and leave a review so more people can find practical falls prevention guidance. Emily Nabors Bio Associate Director of Innovation, Center for Healthy Aging In the field of falls prevention for more than 15 years, Emily Nabors, MS, has conducted applied research, developed tools and educational materials, and provided professional training on falls prevention and home modification to support community living. She has extensive experience in building cross-sector coalitions and partnerships, and she co-facilitates the National Home Safety and Home Modification Work Group. She manages projects including the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Innovation Lab and the National Falls Prevention Fellowship, and she provides technical assistance to ACL-funded falls prevention grantees. Previously, she was Program Manager of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence at the University of Southern California (USC) Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. She has a Master of Science degree in Gerontology from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and an undergraduate degree from Vassar College. Victoria Ring Bio Program Specialist, NCOA Center for Healthy Aging Victoria “Torie” Ring is a Program Specialist at the National Council on Aging’s Center for Healthy Aging, where she supports nationwide falls-prevention initiatives including the Strengthening State Falls Prevention Coalitions project and the ACL Innovation Lab. A dedicated social worker with experience in healthcare, case management, program management and evaluation, mental and behavioral health, creative marketing, and partnership development, Torie is committed to improving quality of life for older adults. She holds an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania with a specialization in geriatric social work. Resources: https://www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/ https://www.ncoa.org/page/falls-prevention-awareness-week-toolkit/Like what you heard? Please like and share wherever you get your podcasts! Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions How Ann can help: · Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization. · Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable. · Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations. · Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving. · Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action. · Speak at your conference or event. Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann . Be sure and check out our updated resource page! Let us know what was helpful. Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com