The Times Australia
The Times Australia
.

17 older Australians die from falls every day. Here are 5 things you can do to reduce your risk

  • Written by Anne Tiedemann, Professor of Physical Activity and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney

Every day in Australia, more than 400 people[1] aged over 65 are admitted to hospital due to a fall. That’s around one person every four minutes.

Although anyone can experience a fall, they’re a common cause[2] of disability and loss of independence in older age.

Sadly, 17 older people die[3] as a direct result of falls every day in Australia, often due to head trauma or internal bleeding. Many of these people are dying early, not when their “time has come”.

The good news is that many falls are preventable[4]. Here are five key actions you can take to reduce your risk of falls.

1. Do balance challenging exercises

Recent Australian fall prevention guidelines[5] recommend all people aged 65 years and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over, should take part in exercise to prevent falls, even if they have never fallen.

In particular, exercise that targets balance and strength[6] is crucial for preventing falls. These are exercises[7] you do while standing, with the feet close together or while standing on one leg (if it’s safe to do so).

These exercises should include controlled movement of the body (such as leaning, reaching and stepping). Examples include heel raises, squats, lunges and stepping in different directions.

To gain the most benefits, fall prevention exercises should be performed at least three times per week[8].

People who have already had regular falls may benefit from specialised advice from a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist or trained exercise instructor.

2. Have your medications reviewed

Certain medications[9], such as sleeping tablets, as well as taking multiple medications[10], can increase your risk of falling.

Older people should discuss and have their medications reviewed[11] each year or after a change in their health, by a GP in collaboration with a pharmacist. Where appropriate, a health-care professional may be able suggest changes which minimise the use of medicines that increase a person’s risk of falling.

3. Maximise the safety of your home

About half of all falls that result in hospital admissions occur in and around the home[12].

Older people at a higher risk of falls – such as those with significant vision impairment or who have poor mobility – can benefit from a home safety intervention. This would involve:

  • an assessment of their home environment
  • advice about how to safely undertake daily tasks at home and elsewhere, such as safe mobility on stairs and the use of walking aids where needed
  • suggested changes to the home such as installation of grab rails, improved lighting and non-slip mats in the bathroom.

This may be more effective at reducing the risk of falls when provided by an occupational therapist[13].

Even for older people who have not fallen before, it’s a good idea to reduce clutter, ensure good lighting in the house and remove trip hazards such as electrical cords in walkways.

4. Get your eyes tested regularly

Good vision is essential for maintaining balance, seeing obstacles and moving around safely. Cataracts[14], a clouding of the lens of the eye, blur your vision and can make you sensitive to light and glare. This common eye condition, associated with age, reduces your ability to spot hazards in the environment.

Research[15] shows having cataracts removed reduces the risk of falls. Fall prevention guidelines recommend a yearly eye check[16] with an optometrist to detect cataracts and other eye conditions.

There’s also evidence[17] wearing bifocal or multifocal glasses can increase the risk of falls by blurring edges close to the feet (such as the edge of a step or gutter). For this reason the Australian fall prevention guidelines[18] recommend active older people use single-lens distance glasses (rather than bifocal, multifocal or progressive lenses) when doing activities outdoors.

It’s also wise for anyone getting a new glasses prescription to be especially careful while they adjust to the new glasses.

5. See a podiatrist if you have painful feet

Healthy and strong feet are important for maintaining good balance and avoiding falls. Research[19] suggests if people with foot problems or painful feet see a podiatrist to have these problems treated, this can reduce their risk of falls.

It’s also important to wear sturdy, well-fitted shoes[20] that have a low, wide heel for greater stability, and a sole with tread to prevent slips.

Don’t wait for a fall to happen before you take action. Every step you take today to reduce your risk of falls is a powerful move toward staying safe and independent.

References

  1. ^ 400 people (www.aihw.gov.au)
  2. ^ a common cause (www.who.int)
  3. ^ 17 older people die (www.aihw.gov.au)
  4. ^ many falls are preventable (www.cochranelibrary.com)
  5. ^ fall prevention guidelines (www.safetyandquality.gov.au)
  6. ^ targets balance and strength (doi.org)
  7. ^ exercises (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ three times per week (doi.org)
  9. ^ medications (doi.org)
  10. ^ taking multiple medications (doi.org)
  11. ^ have their medications reviewed (www.safetyandquality.gov.au)
  12. ^ in and around the home (www.aihw.gov.au)
  13. ^ occupational therapist (doi.org)
  14. ^ Cataracts (www.visionaustralia.org)
  15. ^ Research (doi.org)
  16. ^ a yearly eye check (www.safetyandquality.gov.au)
  17. ^ evidence (doi.org)
  18. ^ fall prevention guidelines (www.safetyandquality.gov.au)
  19. ^ Research (doi.org)
  20. ^ well-fitted shoes (www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/17-older-australians-die-from-falls-every-day-here-are-5-things-you-can-do-to-reduce-your-risk-260307

The company tax regime is a roadblock to business investment. Here’s what needs to change

Productivity growth is a key driver of improvements in living standards. But in Australia over the last deca...

Times Magazine

When Touchscreens Turn Temperamental: What to Do Before You Panic

When your touchscreen starts acting up, ignoring taps, registering phantom touches, or freezing entirely, it can feel like your entire setup is falling apart. Before you rush to replace the device, it’s worth taking a deep breath and exploring what c...

Why Social Media Marketing Matters for Businesses in Australia

Today social media is a big part of daily life. All over Australia people use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok , LinkedIn and Twitter to stay connected, share updates and find new ideas. For businesses this means a great chance to reach new customers and...

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

The Times Features

Sydney Fertility Specialist – Expert IVF Treatment for Your Parenthood Journey

Improving the world with the help of a new child is the most valuable dream of many couples. To the infertile, though, this process can be daunting. It is here that a Sydney Fertil...

Could we one day get vaccinated against the gastro bug norovirus? Here’s where scientists are at

Norovirus is the leading cause[1] of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. It’s responsible for roughly one in every five cases[2] of gastro annually. Sometimes dubbed ...

Does running ruin your knees? And how old is too old to start?

You’ve probably heard that running is tough on your knees – and even that it can cause long-term damage. But is this true? Running is a relatively high-impact activity. Eve...

Jetstar announces first ever Brisbane to Rarotonga flights with launch fares from just $249^ one-way

Jetstar will start operating direct flights between Brisbane and Rarotonga, the stunning capital island of the Cook Islands, in May 2026, with launch sale fares available today...

Introducing the SE 2 and Mini hair dryers from Laifen

The Mane Attractions for Professional Styling at Home Without the Price Tag Fast, flawless hair is now possible with the launch of Laifen’s two professional quality hair dryers th...

Home Gym Recovery Routines: What Pro Athletes Do After Workouts

Training is only half the equation. What you do after your workout has just as much impact on your progress, performance, and long-term health. Professional athletes know this, w...