QA Forum

Question & Answer

We are discussing Falls Prevention
With Suzanne Ralston and Beverley Steer

Question:
I have had a couple of falls in the last few months. Is there much I can do about it now that I am 75?

Answer:
Suzanne -Yes, there are many things you can do to help prevent a fall. Falls are not an inevitable part of getting older. There are many reasons why people may fall, but in a lot of cases it is simple to identify the cause and make some changes to prevent them.

There are a number of things that can increase you risk of falling. Some of these can include poor balance, problems with your vision, limited physical activity, certain medications and hazards in and around the home and in public places.

Seeing your GP is a good start to identifying the reason why you fell. You GP may recommend some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of having a fall such as participating in activities like tai chi or strength training, or removing hazards around your home.

They may also refer you to get advice from another health professional such as a physiotherapist, optometrist or occupational therapist. It’s never to early or too late to start preventing falls.

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