Policy Statement: Evolution of Fall Prevention Language
Purpose
To align our internal and external communications with a person-centric approach that reduces stigma1 and empowers older adults.
Fall Prevention Language
Policy Directive
Effective immediately, staff and community partners are encouraged to transition away from using phrases like "falls are not a normal part of aging" or "falls are not inevitable". While intended to be encouraging, these phrases can inadvertently lead to feelings of shame, abnormality, and dismissiveness for those who have experienced a fall, and those who may be concerned about experiencing one.2
Fall occurrences do in fact increase with age. Statistically, we know that older adults are more prone to falls. Physiologically, we know that all human bodies are subject to muscle weakness, atrophy, sarcopenia, frailty, and vestibular decline as we get older. These facts are at the core of seniors’ fall prevention.
Key Communication Principles
To ensure our messaging is both truthful and empowering, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Normalize the Experience, Not the Event: Acknowledge that while falls become more common due to physiological changes (such as sarcopenia or reduced balance), the individual experiencing them is not "abnormal" - it’s not an “abnormal event”.
- Focus on Prevention, Not Inevitability: Replace "not inevitable" with a focus on actionable strategies. Frame falls as a manageable risk rather than a predetermined fate or a personal failure.
- Adopt Person-Centric Language: Shift the conversation from the mechanics of a "fall" to the well-being of the "person". Our goal is to support healthy aging, which includes fall prevention as one component of a larger life journey.3
Reframing our Vocabulary
| Avoid Using | Recommended Alternative | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| "Falls are not a normal part of aging." | "While the risk of falling increases with age, there are proven ways to maintain your independence". | Removes the "abnormal" stigma while acknowledging physiological realities. |
| "Falls are not inevitable". | "Most falls can be prevented with the right support and environment". | Shifts the focus from a philosophical debate to a hopeful, proactive solution. |
| "Fall-prone" or "At-risk seniors". | "Individuals who have had a previous fall(s)" or "individuals who may benefit from knowledge and actions on challenging their balance and building strength”. |
Humanizes the individual and focuses on the benefit of the intervention. |
| “Fear of falling”. | “Concerned about falling”. | Softens the tone and creates a safe space for conversation on the topic. “Fear” implies a phobia or weakness, whereas “concern” implies a rational awareness that can be managed.2,4 |
By strategically excluding the concepts of "normality" and "inevitability" from our lexicon,4 we foster an environment of dignity. We aim to replace embarrassment with empowerment, ensuring that every older adult feels heard, respected, and supported in their prevention journey.
Version history.
First Published: 2026
Reviewed and Affirmed: n/a
Anticipated review: 2031
PDF Version.
References
1 Hanson, H. M. (2014). Fall-Related Stigma in Older Adulthood.
2 Dollard, J., et al. (2012). The experience of falling: A qualitative study.
3 Hortmann, M., et al. (2024). Reframing Communication about Fall Prevention Programs to Increase Older Adults' Intentions to Participate.
4 Yardley, L., & Smith, H. (2002). A prospective study of the relationship between feared consequences of falling and avoidance of activity.
© Copyright 2026 - Injury Prevention Centre. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2026 - Injury Prevention Centre. All Rights Reserved.