01/07/2025
Falls Prevention
Falls can occur anywhere and at any age, however the risk increases with increasing age. In Australia, falls account for 43% of injury hospitalisations and 42% of injury deaths.
Here are some tips to help prevent falls:
• Strengthening exercises, especially legs (eg squats, lunges, heel raises)
• Balance exercises eg standing on one leg and juggling a ball if safe
• Aerobic exercise eg brisk walks, cycling, exercise classes
• Tone the vestibular system eg movements or classes which challenge our balance and speed of movement
• Get any musculoskeletal pains treated as these change our movement patterns and weaken muscles
• Correct footwear eg good hiking shoes for distance walks, no floppy footwear
• Check that medications aren’t producing dizziness, fatigue or muscle weakness
• Eat healthy foods to decrease fatigue and increase energy
• Have an eye check for poor vision or outdated glasses
• Keep a healthy mind eg mindfulness, meditation, puzzle books
