Advice for the prevention of falls

Falls

The incidence of falls does increase as people get older due to a variety of factors.

The more risk factors you have the higher your risk of falling. However, the good news is that many of these risk factors can be modified and therefore reduces the risk of you having a fall.

Falling is not an inevitable part of ageing.

This page will provide information and explain some changes you can put in place to reduce your risk of falls, whilst you wait for an assessment from the Specialist Falls team.

Risk factors for falls

• Poor balance.
• Weak muscles.
• Limited physical activity and, or reduced mobility.
• Low blood pressure.
• Medical problems, for example, ear infections, bladder problems, long term conditions.
• Taking multiple medications.
• Risks in the environment, for example, steep stairs, uneven surfaces, rugs, slippery paths and inappropriate footwear.
• Confusion and cognitive impairment.
• Poor vision.
• History of falls.

How do I reduce the risk: avoiding unnecessary risk

Muscle strength and joints

For many people low muscle strength could be due to not using their muscles often enough, recent significant illness and not moving regularly.

What can I do?

• Regular physical activity strengthens muscles, whatever your age.
• Physical activity can include:
  • gardening
  • vigorous housework
  • carrying shopping
  • daily walks
• Simple exercises at home can also help, read this booklet for examples of exercises you can begin to complete prior to your assessment with the Specialist Falls team.

Bones

Bones naturally become more brittle as we age, which makes an injury more likely if we do fall. Therefore, keeping bones as healthy as possible is important.

What can I do?

• Weight-bearing activities are excellent for maintaining strong bones
• A healthy balanced diet will help ensure you get enough calcium to maintain bone strength and vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium. Vitamin D can be gained from exposure to sunlight and from certain foods.

Multiple medications

The older we get, the more likely we are to be prescribed medications. Some medicines can cause side effects.

What can I do?

• Never stop taking any prescribed medication suddenly.
• If you suspect one or more of your medications is making you dizzy or faint or causing side effects then contact your GP.

Bladder or bowel problems

Incontinence may mean that you currently rush to the toilet. Rushing to the toilet at any time can increase the risk of falls.

What can I do?

• It is vital that you do not reduce your fluid intake (6 to 8 glasses per day) to manage this problem
• Incontinence can be improved and/or managed with input from the continence team or help with products.

Eyesight changes

Good vision has a vital role in how you maintain your balance. Ageing can decrease contrast sensitivity (making it harder to see the edge of steps or kerbs) and alter depth perception all of which increases the risk of falls.

What can I do?

• Having a sight examination yearly is highly advised.
• Even if you think your vision is not affected, the optician can also check eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
• Wear glasses that you have been prescribed.

Hearing

As you get older you might find your hearing isn’t as good as it used to be. The problem may be something which is easily treated, such as a build-up of ear wax or an ear infection.

What can I do?

• Book a hearing test and, or speak to your GP as soon as you think your hearing has deteriorated.
• Hearing is important as a problem with your ears can severely affect your balance.

Feet

Foot problems such as corns, calluses and ingrown toenails can contribute to a change in walking.

Footwear can be a major contributing factor to falls as footwear affects the way we walk.

What can I do?

• Good fitting and supportive footwear is essential
• Looking after your feet is important and professionals such as podiatrists and chiropodists can assist in this.

Keep hydrated

As well as eating well, you should make sure you’re drinking plenty. If you don’t drink enough it’s likely that you’ll start to feel light-headed and it will increase your chance of problems with your blood pressure.

What can I do?

Try to drink about six to eight glasses of fluid a day.

Page last reviewed: August 04, 2025
Next review due: August 04, 2026