Step Ahead to Fall Prevention in Older Adults

Toronto Public Health’s Step Ahead to Fall Prevention in Older Adults e-learning module designed for personal support workers, caregivers, volunteers, and anyone interested in preventing falls among older adults, has been updated. The 2026 version features refreshed content throughout the 5 sections delivered through a more interactive and engaging learning experience.

  • In Toronto, falls are the leading cause of injury resulting in emergency department visits and hospitalizations among adults aged 65 years and older
  • 50% of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home
  • Falls disproportionately affect adults 75 yrs+, with hospitalization rates 3 to 10 times higher than younger age groups
  • Some side effects and combination of medicines can increase the risk of a fall
  • Physical activity is a key element in preventing both frailty and the risk of falls in older adults

The good news is that falls can be prevented. If you would like to learn more about fall prevention in older adults, please click on the link below in each section of this e-learning.
It is recommended that you follow the order of the 5 sections. There is an evaluation link after you have completed all 5 sections. Closed Captioning is available on the bottom of the slide.

A certificate is provided once complete. The training will take approximately 80 minutes.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians. In the section you will learn about the definition of healthy aging and falls, information about the growing number of older adults in Toronto, and why it is important to care about falls.

Complete Section 1 - Falls and Older Adults

Approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Normal age-related physical changes affect an older adult’s risk of having a fall. This section covers the systems in the human body, how each is affected by the aging process and its impact on falls.

  1. Nervous System
  2. Sensory System
  3. Respiratory System
  4. Cardiovascular System
  5. Musculoskeletal System
  6. Gastrointestinal System
  7. Urinary System

Complete Section 2 - Effects of Aging on Falls Risk

Approximately 20 minutes to complete.

In this section you will learn about the various risk factors that contribute to falls which include:

  1. Biological
  2. Social and Economic
  3. Behavioural
  4. Environmental

Complete Section 3 - Fall Risk Factors

Approximately 15 minutes to complete.

This section provides more details about the modifiable risks that can help reduce falls in older adults.

  1. Physical Activity
  2. Healthy Eating
  3. Medication Use

Complete Section 4 - Modifiable Risk Factors

Approximately 15 minutes to complete.

This section provides a summary of the four previous sections. Case scenarios are included to reinforce the learning, and there are tools and resources for future reference.

Complete Section 5 - Core Concepts & Applications

Approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Additional Resources to Support Step Ahead to Fall Prevention in Older Adults e-Learning

Toronto Public Health

City of Toronto

McMaster Optimal Aging Portal

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Canadian Frailty Network

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)

Government of Ontario

Health Canada

Medline

Public Health Agency of Canada PHAC)

Public Health Ontario

Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health

Parachute Leaders in Injury Prevention

NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network (Australia)

Harvard University:

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community

World Health Organization

Dementia

 
Date modified: November 4, 2026