Current location
You are here: help with health > help with health conditions > falls prevention > am i at risk of a fall?Help with health
Am I at risk of a fall?
People fall for different reasons – sometimes a number of things combine to cause a fall. The reasons or causes for falls are known as risk factors.
Some older people are more likely to fall than others. This is because they have more risk factors. These can result from illness or a less healthy lifestyle. The more risk factors a person has, the more likely they are to fall.
If you know what your risk factors are and deal with them, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling.
Medical conditions linked to falling risk factors
Our bodies change constantly throughout our lives. Normal ageing involves:- poorer eyesight – we may find we can’t see quite as clearly, are less able to judge distances and depth or can’t cope with sudden changes in light levels or glare
- worse balance, weaker muscles and stiffer joints, which change the way we walk and move around
- less feeling in the feet and legs, increased likelihood of pain and even changes to the shape of our feet, and
- slower reaction times and more difficulty concentrating on several things at the one time.
But, the good news is these risk factors can be reduced!
Health problems
Some health problems make it more likely you will fall. The most common of these are:- stroke, Parkinson’s disease and arthritis
- diabetes
- depression and dementia
- postural hypotension (low blood pressure)
- dizziness
- incontinence (more information)
- poor nutrition, and
- Osteoporosis (more information)
Even short-term illnesses (such as the flu and other infections) or surgery can temporarily cause dizziness, confusion and difficulty walking while you are sick – even for sometime afterwards.
Stroke, Parkinson's disease and arthritis
Stroke, Parkinson’s disease and arthritis can affect your ability to move and make it more difficult to react quickly and save yourself if you stumble.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes with unstable blood sugar levels you may feel faint. Diabetes can also cause problems with eyesight, and reduce feeling in the feet and legs. These make it more difficult to move around safely.
Depression and dementia
Depression and dementia can make you less aware of your immediate surroundings and less able to react quickly.
Postural hypotension
Postural hypotension can make you light-headed, dizzy or unsteady when you stand up quickly.
Dizziness
If you feel dizzy, talk with your doctor!
Incontinence
If you have incontinence, you may need to hurry to the toilet. This can increase the risk of a fall, especially at night.
Poor nutrition
Not eating well and not drinking enough can mean you don’t have the strength to move safely or manage daily activities easily. Drinking more than a small amount of alcohol can slow your reactions and make you unsteady.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis (thin, weak bones) can make things worse. If you have osteoporosis you are more likely to break or fracture a bone if you fall.
For more information about your medical condition and information about support organisations in your area, the following websites may be useful
- Department of Health and Ageing website – ‘Don’t fall for it. Falls can be prevented’ fact sheet
- HealthInsite
- Commonwealth Carelink (more information)
- Nutrition Australia (more information)
- Diabetes Australia (more information)
- your local community health care centre
- your local council or library
- Continence Helpline 1800 330 066 (more information)
- Arthritis Australia (more information), or
- beyondblue (more information).
- Remove any tripping or slipping hazards where you live.
- Talk to your doctor about any falls you’ve had. Don’t just dismiss them as clumsiness. Falls can be a sign of a new medical problem, muscle weakness, balance problems or side effects of medication. Your doctor needs to know about the time of day you fell, what you were doing and how you were feeling just before the fall. Your family may be able to fill in the details if you can’t remember.
- Ensure your home is adequately lit at night
- Talk to a physiotherapist about including balance and strengthening exercises in your daily routine and how to manage any pain you might have.
- A physiotherapist can also advise you about whether a walking aid, such as a stick or frame, would help increase your steadiness and confidence. But please note, it’s important that walking aids are properly adjusted and maintained.
Read more: About falls prevention
Common questions on this topic:
- Mum lives alone. She manages well, but I'm worried that she might fall and need help. What can I do?
See all common questions
