Why Preventing Falls in Older Adults Should Be a Top Priority
Falls are one of the most serious health concerns facing older Australians and they’re far more common than many people realise. While a fall may seem like a minor event, the truth is they can lead to long-term injury, hospitalisation, loss of independence, and even death. The good news? With the right support and guidance, falls are largely preventable.
Why Are Falls a Big Deal?
Every year, 1 in 3 Australians aged 65 and over will experience a fall. For many, this can lead to broken bones, reduced mobility, or long-term fear of falling again which itself can cause people to become less active and more socially isolated. This starts a dangerous cycle of de-conditioning, increasing their risk of another fall.
In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations in older Australians, with more than 132,000 hospital admissions each year roughly 360 every single day. What’s more alarming is that 5,300 people aged 65+ die each year from fall-related injuries. These aren’t just numbers they represent real people whose lives have been severely impacted by something that could often have been avoided.
Who’s Most at Risk?
While anyone can fall, the risk increases with age. People over 60, especially those with:
Poor balance
Muscle weakness
Mobility issues
Vision problems
Chronic health conditions (like arthritis, stroke, or diabetes)
…are all more likely to fall. Medications that cause dizziness or fatigue can also increase fall risk.
How Can Exercise Help Reduce the Risk of Falls?
The best defence against falls is to stay strong, steady, and confident on your feet. Research shows that targeted strength and balance training can reduce fall risk by up to 40% in older adults.
Regular, structured exercise improves:
Lower limb strength
Reaction time
Balance and coordination
Gait and mobility
Confidence to move safely
Programs like the Otago Exercise Program have been shown to significantly reduce the frequency of falls when followed regularly particularly when supervised by an exercise professional.
Where an Accredited Exercise Physiologist Can Help
This is where an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) plays a vital role. AEPs are university-qualified allied health professionals who specialise in designing safe and effective exercise programs for people with chronic conditions, injuries, or age-related limitations.
By conducting a comprehensive falls risk assessment, an AEP can tailor a program that addresses each individual’s unique needs focusing on improving balance, strength, mobility, and confidence. For older adults who are afraid of falling, working with an AEP not only improves physical outcomes, but also helps reduce fear and increase motivation to stay active.
Takeaway
Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing they’re often preventable with the right intervention. If you or a loved one is over 60, has a history of falls, or is unsure how to start exercising safely, speak to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist today.
Staying strong means staying independent.
Written by:
Jak Cannell - Accredited Exercise Physiologist