A new national action plan is calling for a stronger, more coordinated effort to reduce fall-related injuries among older adults. Senior living communities are now identified as key partners in this effort, and expectations for their involvement are increasing. 

The 2025 National Falls Prevention Program, developed by federal agencies and aging-services leaders, outlines a 10-year strategy to improve outcomes for older adults. The plan makes it clear that meaningful progress will require consistent participation from the senior living field. 

A central theme of the plan is the need to move beyond traditional, program-focused prevention. It calls for broader public awareness, expanded funding, stronger care coordination, more innovation in technology, and improved national data. The plan aims to address disparities, broaden access to proven interventions, and support communities in implementing fall-prevention activities more consistently. 

Older adults continue to experience high fall rates and serious injury risk, which is why the national plan highlights the need for more unified action across health care, public health, community-based organizations, and aging services. Prevention programs alone cannot eliminate all falls, but improving access to proven interventions and strengthening system-level supports are central to the national strategy. 

As attention grows around fall-related harms, senior living providers may face increasing expectations to participate in national initiatives, expand access to evidence-based programs, and engage more directly in coordinated prevention efforts. 

Although the plan does not specify built-environment requirements for senior living settings, many providers continue to explore how environmental elements — such as lighting, flooring underlayments, and layout decisions — can support injury mitigation when falls occur. These considerations could complement the plan's broader focus on prevention, access, and system-level improvement. 

The national action plan underscores the importance of nationwide collaboration. Preventing falls remains essential, but reducing fall-related injuries is equally important. Senior living communities that take a comprehensive, proactive approach will be better positioned to support resident wellbeing as expectations evolve.