For 80-year-old Jolene, a fall in the bathroom changed her life forever. She fractured a hip, was taken to the hospital, and then placed in a nursing home. She never lived in her home again.

Falls are the leading cause of death and injuries among Americans over age 65, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. More than one third of all seniors --or about 11 million people-- fall each year, resulting in almost 12,000 deaths. Of survivors like Jolene, 50 percent lose their mobility, and 40 percent, their independence - forever.

But falls, while very dangerous, are relatively easy to prevent, says Paul Sauer, president of Homewatch CareGivers in Denver.

" Falls don't happen just because people get older," Sauer says. "Researchers have found that seniors can reduce their risk of falling by maintaining good fitness and health. And because 60 percent of seniors fall in their own homes, it makes sense to reduce the hazards and increase the safety of their living areas."

Families can help older loved ones by following these ten fall prevention tips:

1. Involve them in regular physical exercise, such as Tai Chi, to increase their lower body strength and improve their balance.
2. Make sure they have an annual medical check-up to evaluate any cardiac or blood pressure problems.
3. Make sure they have an eye examination at least once a year.
4. Have a pharmacist or physician review all of their medications to reduce interactions or side effects that might impede alertness and balance.
5. Eliminate tripping hazards in the home such as throw rugs and clutter.
6. Arrange furniture to create clear paths between rooms.
7. Improve lighting in all rooms, including night-lights along walkways.
8. Place non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the shower floor.
9. Install grab bars next to the toilet, and in the tub or shower.
10. Install hand rails along both sides of stairways.