The idea of falling is so conceptually perfect that we apply it to even our most personal of relationships: "falling" in love implies an absolute inability to control the directional pull of our emotions. We.Are.Falling. Only our good judgment, sometimes suspended during a fall, can ensure a soft emotional landing. When it comes to actual falls to the floor, however, older Americans can take control beforehand to lessen their own chances of, uh, hitting bottom.

One in three Americans over the age of 65 falls each year; the dangers of a fall should not be underestimated. With increasing numbers of older adults, and even more of the "oldest-old" (those older than 85), the number of falls has increased dramatically over the past decade, as have death rates from such falls. Hip fractures are a major cause of loss of physical independence.

People age 75 and older are 4-5 times more likely to need long-term care if they experience a fall.

What is it that leads to falls, and what can be done to prevent them?

The keys to fall avoidance speak to the causes themselves:

Be Active. Physical exercise helps with leg strength and balance, two key factors in hindering falls. Physical conditioning can improve at any age. Never stop moving. Walk. Take a balance class designed for older people. Weight-bearing activity also strengthens bones, which can minimize damage if a fall does happen.

Be Strong. Women, especially, should maintain upper body strength, as this can be crucial in softening a landing and getting back up. Many older women do not have the physical strength to push themselves upright after a fall.

Be Aware. Know what medications you take, and how they interact with one another, particularly if dizziness is a concern.

Be Brave. Ironically, being afraid of a fall (feeling anxious) can increase the likelihood of falling, as anxiety may cause a person to be less active, thus diminishing leg strength, and often, social interaction as well. A more tentative body posture may also increase fragility and hinder reflexes.

Listen to Your Feet. Wear good shoes that encourage full foot contact: nerves in your feet communicate balance issues to your brain. They are talking about you.

Install Grab Bars. Properly installed grab bars are an essential safety device in bathroom showers and near the toilet. Never use a towel rack or other fixture as a grab bar. Grab bar aesthetics have improved over the years. Your bathroom does not have to look institutional. One of our favorites is GreatGrabz, which call themselves "jewelry for your bathroom."

Lose the Area Rug. While it does bring warmth to a room, it also poses a significant trip hazard.

See Clearly. Make sure your eyeglass prescription is up to date, and glasses are clean. Never hurry to the phone.

Hear Me Now. There exists a real connection between untreated hearing loss and fall risk. Untreated hearing loss increases fall risk by increasing cognitive load, diminishing spatial and environmental awareness, and affecting balance. In plain English, if you can't hear, your brain is distracted by trying harder to hear, and focuses less on how you are moving through space.

If you do fall and are not injured, do tell your doctor. It could indicate a concern with blood pressure (lying or standing), or another underlying issue that can be addressed.

Know this: do not be ashamed or embarrassed if you fall. This is what happens. You didn't do anything wrong.

About those romantic falls: a broken heart hurts, too. I recommend a non-stop series of feature films with Paul Newman, Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Gregory Peck, and Paul Newman. Turn off the phone, clean your glassess, and fall in love.