Falls Awareness Day 2011

You don't have to be old to be at risk of falling - we have seen many models falling on the catwalk. However falls in older people can have life changing consequences

and older people are most likely to suffer serious injuries, disability, psychological consequences and death following a fall.

The risk of falling increases with age - one in three older people fall every year and two-thirds of them fall again within six months.

Falls and fractures in older people can be prevented. The purpose of Falls Awareness Day 2011 is to highlight to everyone what can be done to prevent falls as we age.

Falls Awareness Day 2011 is an initiative of the TRIL Centre with support from Age Action Ireland.

Preventing Falls and Trips

Did you know...

The risk of falling increases with age. One third of adults over the age of 65 fall each year and two third of those fall again within 6 months¹.
Today Ireland has 480,000 (11%) people over the age of 65, which will increase to one million (18%) in 25 years time¹.
Every year 10% of all older people need treatment following an injury. Falls cause 75% of these injuries¹.
By 2032 there could be a doubling in the number of falls and fractures that occur if today's rates do not improve.
The consequences of falling can range from mild to very severe and may be physical and/or psychological or social in nature.
Physical consequences of falling include: injury, fracture (hip, arm, skull) , risk of subsequent falls, loss of mobility, accidents, self-neglect, and physical illness, traumatic brain injury and death.
Psychological and social consequences of falling include: fear of falling, depression, anxiety, isolation, impaired quality of life, loss of independence and institutionalisation.
Falls and fractures in older people can be prevented.

¹Health Service Executive, Ireland. Strategy to Prevent Falls and Fractures in Ireland's Ageing Population. June, 2008.

Tips for reducing the risk of falling

Keep active and exercise

Regular physical activity makes you stronger and improves your balance and coordination;
Begin slowly and start with exercises you feel comfortable doing;
Ask your doctor if you are unsure what activities or exercises are best for you.
Learn more

Have your vision checked

Your eyesight changes as you get older. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Make sure you get your eye-sight checked on a regular basis.

Fall prevention - in each room

Floors

Arrange furniture so that you can easily move around all your rooms;
Keep the floors clear from papers and books etc. that could cause you to trip;
Remove rugs or use non-slip tape or backing so rugs will not slip;
Make sure wires or cords from lamps, telephones etc. do not trail where you walk.

Stairs and Steps

Fix loose or uneven steps;
Do not leave shoes or books on steps of stairs;
Have a light switch fitted at the top and bottom of the stairs. As you get older you need brighter lights to see well;
Install hand rails on both sides of the stairs; making sure they reach the top.
Learn more

Extracted from the leaflet prepared as part of the HSE's Keep well this Winter information campaign. More details.

Other useful links
Go for Life Promoting greater participation by older people in sport and physical activity.
Get Ireland Active Promoting physical activity in Ireland.