Falls - what can we do to stop them?

17 older people die as a direct result of falls every day in Australia, and more than 400 older people aged 65+ are admitted to hospital due to a fall daily - that's about 1 person every 4 minutes!

These figures are shocking - and with an ageing population, these figures will increase unless we start to take fall prevention seriously.

A new article in The Conversation by Prof Anne Tiedemann and Prof Cathie Sherrington offers 5 tips to help older people reduce their risk of falls, and they can start today. These tips include:

1. Do standing exercises that challenge balance. Balance and strength training should be done at least 3 times a week. Exercises include standing with feet close together, or standing on one leg (if safe to do so). It also includes controlled movement of the body with exercises such as heel raises, squats, lunges and stepping in different directions. It is recommended to use a wall or sturdy chair/table if this is too challenging.

2. Yearly medication review. Some medications can increase risk of falls. It's important to discuss medications with a GP and pharmacist to discuss fall risk on certain medications and to see if any changes and reduce risk.

3. Maximise the safety of the home. About half of all falls that result in hospital admissions occur in and around the home. It's important to remove clutter and trip/slip hazards to reduce risk of falls. It's also recommended to have an occupational therapist perform a home safety assessment.

4. Yearly eye check-ups. Good vision is essential for maintaining balance, seeing obstacles and moving around safely. It's important to have regular eye check-ups and to make sure your prescription is right for your eyes.

5. Keep your feet strong and healthy. Your feet are important tools to help you maintain balance. Treating any foot problems or painful feet with a podiatrist can reduce your risk of falls. It's also important to wear the correct shoes - ones that are sturdy and well-fitted with a low, wide heel for stability, and good grip to prevent slips.

We can't wait for a fall to happen before we take action. Every step we take to reduce our risk of falls is a powerful move towards staying safe and independent.

You may also like to check out a Croakey Health Media article from Anne and Cathie on what needs to happen across all levels of government to tackle falls and save lives.

Written by Courtney West, Prof Anne Tiedemann and Prof Cathie Sherrington.