No better time than the autumn to talk about falls, and why we should all account for our stumbles as we and our loved ones become older, more awesome adults. For better or worse, falls are a harbinger of major geridrama, and it behooves all of us to get a grip on it before a devastating wipe-out changes the future for everyone.

And of course, I’m not talking about falling from the sky like my crazy husband above. Our daughter also partook in this nonsense. I would never, ever EVER skydive. Ever. Forget falling, I’m sure I would SPLAT if I did. I have body shudders just looking at that photo. So, no. We’re talking about everyday, earthly tripping and falling — the kind that is a real gamechanger for you and the people you love.

If you think that sounds dramatic, hear the facts. According to the most recent statistics from the National Council on Aging, 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 65 fall each year — that’s 14 million folks, people! Think heart disease or cancer tops the list for older adult deaths? Nope. It’s falling. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults over the age of 65. Fall shmall, everyone trips up every now and then, right? Wrong. Falling is not a natural expectation of aging and it can be prevented with a few tweaks. Still, there are 36 million fall incidents each year, costing Medicare $80 billion annually — a figure expected to be $101 billion by 2030. Falling costs our community big money, and also increases the likelihood adults will be less independent and healthy and more socially isolated, already an epidemic issue in our country. One fall can start a snowball effect that changes everything.

I watched this play out while I was supporting an older friend in her early 80s. She had Parkinson’s and I’d hear about little fall stories here and there — about how she got an easy-in-easy-out shower installed and even then tripped in the bathroom. She got a hip replacement at one point, too. And because she wasn’t able to keep up with the physical therapy or keep her muscles strong, her mobility became even more compromised. Some falls led to emergency room visits. Others were just scary or happened because she wouldn’t use her walker. Then there were the stairs and old rugs to contend with, it was a spiral. Things got worse and worse until her Parkinson’s confined her to the bed, and that was the end of leading an active and fulfilling life.

I know, I know. I am 53 and fall from time to time going up the stairs — or trying to put on leggings, or socks even. It happens. But this is our bodies’ way of saying ‘hey there, Buster…be more careful next time.” It is so important to pay attention to that message.

For example, if you trip stepping into your underpants, vow to sit you a** down next time.

Catch your toenail on the beautiful oriental rug in your hallway? Time to roll it up or give it away.

Feel a little off or unbalanced? Make sure your medication isn’t to blame and sign up for a strength training class at your local gym.

Nearly bust your butt stepping into the shower? Get stuck on the John? Call an orthopedic therapist who specializes in home modifications and see what installation might improve your bathroom experience.

Fortunately, the NCOA has a whole list of resources to help put your fall propensities into perspective. Here are a few of them:

This is helpful, lifegiving information — take it to heart, even if you don’t get tangled up in your panties some mornings. This is a particularly important conversation to have with older family members or friends. The negative consequences of falling far outweigh the good when it comes to falling. That next trip could alter your mobility, your independence and change the scope of the careful financial planning you’ve done for the second half. Falls can really bust up your future, the one that is designed to be a celebration of a lifetime.

Do yourself and your people a favor and fall into fall talks this fall — it will put a real spring in your step and your plans for second half thriving, promise!