Falls Prevention and Balance Advice
Falls can happen to anyone, but they become more common as we get older or when our strength, balance, mobility or health changes.
A fall can affect your confidence and independence, but falling is not an inevitable part of getting older. There are often things that can be done to reduce your risk.
Falls are usually caused by a combination of factors. These can include changes in strength and balance, health conditions, medication, vision, footwear, nutrition and hazards in your home or surroundings.
This page provides practical advice to help you reduce your risk of falling and stay active and independent.
What Can Increase My Risk Of Falling?
There are many factors that can increase your risk of falling, including:
- Reduced muscle strength.
- Reduced balance.
- Difficulty walking or reduced mobility.
- Previous falls.
- Certain health conditions.
- Dizziness or feeling light-headed.
- Side effects from medication.
- Problems with eyesight or hearing.
- Poor nutrition or unplanned weight loss.
- Not drinking enough fluids.
- Foot or footwear problems.
- Continence problems.
- Hazards in the home or outside environment.
Having one or more of these factors does not mean that you will definitely fall. However, identifying and addressing these issues can help reduce your risk.
Follow the links below for more information on ways you can reduce your risk of falls.