Every time you take a tumble, remember—it’s just another chance to bounce back.
But as we age, bouncing back becomes more than just a metaphor; it becomes a challenge tied to real risks and long-term consequences. At Healesville Physio, we believe awareness is the first step in preventing falls, especially for older adults.
A fall is medically defined as an event that results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground, floor, or a lower level. While falls happen to everyone—children, teens, and adults alike – there’s a noticeable shift in the language and seriousness when it comes to older adults. At some point, we stop saying someone “fell over” and start saying they “had a fall.” This change isn’t just semantic – it reflects the growing vulnerability and complexity of injuries in older age.
In Australia alone, there were 238,005 hospitalisations due to falls in the 2022–2023 period.
That’s a staggering 43.4 per cent of all injury-related hospital admissions. Tragically, 6378 Australians lost their lives due to falls in the same time frame.
The most commonly affected areas? The head and neck, hips and femur, and the shoulder and upper arm.
Women were more frequently hospitalised due to falls (772.4 per 100,000 people), often from everyday hazards like beds, chairs, or steps. In contrast, men – although less frequently hospitalised – suffered more fatalities (14.8 deaths per 100,000), often due to more hazardous falls from ladders, trees, or recreational equipment like scooters.
Age is the most significant factor.
Australians aged 65 and over are nearly 12 times more likely to suffer an injury from a fall than those aged 25 to 44.
And the causes are as varied as they are concerning. Medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, postural hypotension, or peripheral neuropathy can impair balance and movement. Medication side effects – especially from polypharmacy (taking 10 or more different medications) – can cause dizziness, confusion, or vision changes. Reduced muscle strength, slower reaction time, poor vision, and foot issues also contribute to an increased risk.
Other risk factors include incontinence, which can lead to rushing and imbalance, and environmental hazards such as rugs, clutter, loose floorboards, or even a pet underfoot.
Despite the grim statistics, there’s hope. Many of these risks can be managed, if not completely mitigated. Strength and balance training, medication reviews, proper footwear, vision checks, and home safety assessments can all make a significant difference.
At Healesville Physio, we see falls not just as incidents to be treated, but as opportunities to improve quality of life. Whether it’s a minor stumble or a serious fall, it’s never too late to take control of your health and safety. By understanding the risks and addressing them proactively, seniors can stay active, independent, and—most importantly—upright.
