Did you know that around 1 in 3 adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year? Falls can be a scary experience, especially as we get older. The fear of taking a tumble can make you feel like your world is shrinking—avoiding certain activities or even just feeling nervous about moving around your own home. But the good news is, there’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk of falling and rebuild your confidence. In this guide to falls prevention
Why Falls Happen
Falls can happen for a variety of reasons. As we age, our muscles naturally weaken, our balance might not be what it used to be, and our reflexes can slow down. Vision changes, certain medications, and even our home environment can all play a role.
Falls aren’t just a natural part of ageing—they’re often preventable. By taking some simple steps, you can significantly lower your risk and keep yourself safe.
Tips For Preventing Falls
- Stay Active and Strong: One of the best things you can do to prevent falls is to keep moving. Regular exercise, particularly activities that improve strength and balance, can help keep your muscles strong and your balance steady. Simple exercises like walking, leg lifts, or even practising your balance can make a big difference over time.
- Check Your Home for Hazards: Our home can be full of hidden tripping hazards. Take a walk through your house and look for anything that could cause a fall. Loose rugs, cluttered floors, and poor lighting are common culprits. Consider securing rugs with non-slip backing, keeping walkways clear, and adding nightlights. If you’re worried about steps, installing handrails or grab bars can provide extra support.
- Wear the Right Shoes: Footwear might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about falls, but it’s important. Shoes that are too loose, have slippery soles, or don’t provide enough support can increase your risk of falling.
- Mind Your Medications: Certain medications, or combinations of medications, can affect your balance or make you feel dizzy. If you notice you are more unsteady, dizzy, or have other side effects, you could review your medications with your doctor to make sure they aren’t increasing your fall risk. Please note you must never stop medications without consulting your doctor first.
- Get Regular Vision and Hearing Checks: Your eyes and ears play a big role in keeping your balance. Make sure you’re getting regular check-ups to keep your vision and hearing in top shape.
- Take Your Time: If you are getting unsteady on your feet moving too quickly—whether it’s getting out of bed, hurrying to answer the phone, or rushing up the stairs—can lead to falls. Give yourself a moment to get your bearings, especially when changing positions.
- Dizziness: Having dizziness is known to increase the risk of falls. Dizziness is caused by a number of factors such as interactions of medications, a drop in blood pressure when you stand up, or vestibular problems such as BPPV. Getting treatment for dizziness can reduce the risk of falls, as well as reduce anxiety about moving around.
When To Seek Help
If you’ve fallen before or are starting to feel unsteady, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or a physiotherapist. They can help assess your risk and work with you on a plan to improve your balance and strength. Don’t wait for another fall—early intervention can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Falls are a serious concern, but they’re not inevitable. With a few proactive steps, you can greatly reduce your risk. Remember, it’s all about staying strong, being aware, and making a few adjustments to your daily routine.
At Neurobility We Help Prevent Falls.
We are very excited to launch our new Specialist Falls Programme which will :
- Make you fitter and stronger
- Help you regain your balance
- Rebuild your confidence
- Teach strategies to minimise falls
Our Falls Programme goes beyond the basics. Led by expert physiotherapists who specialise in balance, mobility and dizziness, you’ll get hands-on guidance tailored to your needs. Plus, you’ll get personalised advice on making your home safer and tips on how to move in ways that reduce your risk of falling.
Call NOW to book a free discovery call with our expert physios to see if our Falls Programme is for you. Limited places. Take the first step towards staying steady and independent.
Website: www.neurobility.co.uk
Call: 01295 810691
Email: [email protected]
