“Many people think that falling is a natural and inevitable part of getting older. But the truth is most falls are preventable and YOU have the power to change your own risk.”
Falls are the leading cause of hospitalization in Australia, accounting for 43% of hospitalizations. The risk significantly increases past the age of 65 and usually occurs in the home, with over half resulting in a fracture! In 2021-2022, 233,000 hospitalisations were due to falls and 30% of people aged over 65 experience a fall requiring medical attention.
Misconceptions
Myth
- “If I limit my activity, I won’t fall.”
- “As long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.”
- “Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.”
Reality
- Performing physical activities will help you stay independent and improve your strength and range of motion.
- Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for risk and maximise your strength and balance
- Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility.
What are some reasons that cause people to fall?
How can we help?
THE ROLE OF A PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Our role as physiotherapists is to help determine and minimise the risk of falling. We can help to…
- Assess the risks and reasons for falling
- Teach strategies to minimise the risk of falling
- Prescribe mobility aids such as walkers and walking sticks
- Prescribe specific home exercises to improve your, strength, balance and coordination
- Create plans towards a goal to continue activities that you enjoy
- Refer you on to other health professional
*Please speak to your GP if you have concerns*
Questions to ask yourself:
- Is my walking getting slower? Is it because I feel weaker, stiffer or less steady on my feet?
- Am I finding myself reaching out and holding onto furniture?
- Do I find myself tripping over things? Is it because of clutter, lighting etc?
- Do I often feel light headed or dizzy?
References:
NSWFPAHAN (n.d.). April Falls 2022. [online] NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network. Available at: https://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au/aprilfalls/.
World Health Organization (2021). Falls. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls.
http://www.health.vic.gov.au. (n.d.). Falls prevention among older Victorians | health.vic.gov.au. [online] Available at: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/your-health-report-of-the-chief-health-officer-victoria-2018/injury-prevention/falls-prevention.
