The Future of Fall Prevention: From Awareness to Action
- Ann Church
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
The future of healthy aging depends not on isolated programs but on coordinated efforts among funders, government agencies, healthcare providers, aging services, community organizations, and older adults themselves.
Our Action Plan for the Future: Expanding Our Collaborations and Partnerships
Fall prevention is a team effort. No single organization—whether medical, governmental, or community-based—can effectively "turn the curve" on falls alone. Meaningful progress requires a coordinated approach that brings together healthcare providers, public agencies, funders, community organizations, and older adults themselves.
As Villages of Santa Fe continues to expand its network of partnerships, we have seen firsthand how each sector contributes strengths, expertise, and resources to support healthy aging and fall prevention. UNM providers identify risk factors and connect individuals to services. NMDOH provides critical programs and outreach. Villages, Oasis, Bridge to Health, and others provide opportunities for social connection, physical activity, education, and ongoing support.
The 2026–2028 CHRISTUS St. Vincent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) identifies Older Adult Health as one of three system-wide "super priorities," alongside Behavioral Health and Health Equity. For older adults, the CHNA selected the following key indicators:
Fall-related Death
Social Isolation
Cognitive Decline
According to the most recent New Mexico Department of Health epidemiology report, the total medical cost of falls among New Mexicans age 65 and older exceeded $1.91 billion in 2023.
The NMDOH should expand evidence-based programs by increasing resources for promotion, professional training, and community partnerships to enhance protective factors and reduce risks statewide. Regional differences highlight the need for localized strategies and improved healthcare access to ensure equitable outcomes.
The lack of funding from government agencies is appalling. Currently, the New Mexico Department of Health's Fall Prevention program budget is $39,900.
How can community organizations be expected to reduce falls and improve outcomes if our own state government does not address the issue?
A recent budget proposal, the State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, sought approximately $1 million to reactivate and strengthen a state division focused on community-based and caregiver services, including dementia-related supports.
Falls among older adults cost New Mexico approximately $1.91 billion in medical costs in 2023 , creating a significant overlap with dementia care because cognitive impairment substantially increases fall risk.
Key Message
Falls are everyone's business—and preventing them requires all of us working together.
Falls, social isolation, and cognitive decline are not separate, siloed issues. They are deeply interconnected and often reinforce one another. Falling is a vicious cycle. Social isolation can accelerate cognitive decline and reduce physical activity. Cognitive impairment increases fall risk. Falls can lead to loss of confidence, reduced mobility, further isolation, and declining health.
As funders and policymakers look to improve outcomes for older adults, investments should support integrated approaches that address falls, social connection, and cognitive health together rather than as separate initiatives. By aligning resources and working collaboratively, we can create healthier communities where older adults remain active, connected, independent, and engaged.
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