Due to a combination of age-related physical declines, chronic health conditions, medication side effects and environmental hazards, older adults face a significantly increased risk of falls.
More than 14 million U.S. adults ages 65 and older fall annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leading to approximately 3 million emergency department visits and roughly 41,000 deaths.
“Normal age-related changes like diminished eyesight or hearing can increase the risk of falling,” says James Gratton, MD, an emergency medicine physician at the South Texas Health System (STHS) McAllen Level 1 Trauma Center. “Illnesses and other physical conditions may weaken strength and balance, while hazards in the home, like poor lighting or loose throw rugs, can further raise the likelihood of a trip or slip.”
Unfortunately, experiencing one fall doubles a senior’s risk of falling again, according to the CDC, and repeated falls significantly increase the likelihood of hip fractures, a leading cause of hospitalizations and fatalities among older adults.
“Repeated falls often create a fear of falling, which can cause seniors to limit their daily activities,” says Dr. Gratton. “Over time, this reduced activity can lead to decreased mobility and weakened muscles, factors that ironically increase the risk of future falls.”
To help older adults in the Rio Grande Valley better understand how falls impact overall health provide practical strategies to reduce their risk, STHS is partnering with Prominence Health to launch a four-part educational series titled “Spring Into Action for Fall Prevention.”
“Educating our senior community about fall risks isn’t just helpful, it’s lifesaving,” says Faith Arredondo, DPT, Lead Therapy Manager, STHS McAllen. “By understanding the causes of falls and learning practical prevention strategies, older adults can maintain their mobility and quality of life.”
Featuring monthly seminars led by the STHS McAllen Trauma Department along with the inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation teams, the program will equip older adults with practical skills and techniques to help reduce their risk of falling, including exercises that improve strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.
The topics, dates and times for the four educational seminars are as follows:
Move with Confidence: Balance, Safety & Smart Choices: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Strengthening & Fall Recovery: Post Fall Care & Rehabilitation Options: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
From Living Room to Parking Lot: Identifying Hazards & Staying Safe: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Flow into Balance: Tai Chi & Stretching for Safer Living: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In addition, the event will feature no-cost health screenings, including gait checks, as well as an expo highlighting senior-focused resources provided by STHS, Prominence Health and local community organizations.
“Events like this really make a difference for our senior community because falls are common but preventable,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “When we give older adults simple, practical tools to stay steady on their feet, we’re helping them hold on to their independence, confidence and overall quality of life.”
There’s no need to register; all events are free and open to the public. Sessions will take place in the Community Room at Prominence Health, located at 1700 S. 10th St. in McAllen. For complete details, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To learn more about fall prevention strategies, visit the STHS website at southtexashealthsystem.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
