.png)
Updated April 2019
The greatest health risk for adults is being inactive. Many falls can be prevented with the appropriate interventions! How susceptible to falls are you, and how safe are your everyday behaviours? Here are four facts about falls that you may not know:
33% of people over the age of 65 will fall at least once/year, this number rises to over 50% for those over 80 years of age.
If you’ve had one fall you are 2x as likely to fall again.
Women are 3x more likely to be hospitalized for a fall than men.
FALLS ARE NOT A NORMAL PART OF AGING! Many falls are preventable.
Common Risk Factors for Falls
Impaired balance
Weak leg muscles
Risk-taking behaviours ex. walking without an aid (walker/cane) or outdoors in poor weather conditions)
Home environment ex. rugs/floor mats, poor lighting
Unstable blood pressure
Preventing Falls
4 things that you can do to help prevent falls include:
1. Exercise
2. Check your vision regularly
3. Ensure your house is safe
4. Check your medications
Acute and Chronic Injury Care
Are you at risk for a fall? Find out with this quiz.
If you have fallen in the past or believe you are at risk for falls, book an appointment with your physiotherapist. They will be able to provide you with an exercise program to keep you moving and help prevent your chances of having a fall.
Here are another couple of great resources on preventing falls and managing falls.
The information from this post has been adapted for the Finding Balance Alberta PowerPoint Presentation and Finding Balance BC Website.
Jayme Gordon graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Master's degree in Physical Therapy. Prior to this she completed a Bachelor's of Science Kinesiology degree at the University of Victoria. She is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association as well as the Physiotherapy Association of BC. Jayme has a passion for working with a diverse patient population ranging from athletes to community dwelling seniors. Book with Jayme today.