Falls are not necessarily a part of the ageing process and can be prevented. However, as a person ages, their risk of falls also increases.
Fall Prevention programmes target those that have not previously fallen (i.e. to prevent a first fall). The long-term priority objective is to reduce hospital admissions for falls, increase healthy life expectancy and ultimately support older people into healthy lifestyle activities such as increasing their physical activity.
If you have fallen before, making changes to your home to prevent them can reduce the fear of it happening again.
If this is something you are concerned about, make sure you visit your GP to discuss it. Healthcare professionals take this subject very seriously due to the impact it can have on your overall health.
Increased levels of sustained physical activity can contribute to increasing balance and stability which is vital for older people.
Find out about activities for older adults.
Drinking alcohol can lead to loss of co-ordination and exaggerate the effects of some medicines. Avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink can reduce your risk of having a fall. If you need help with this, contact Healthy Sandwell.
For more information about preventing falls, visit the NHS website.