What could be the cause of frequent falls?

While falls may be more common with age, they shouldn’t be accepted as a regular part of the ageing process. There is often a clear reason for a fall and by understanding the cause, it's possible to reduce the risk of it happening again.

Why do older people fall?

Health conditions and medications are common factors that can increase the risk of falling. In some cases, a fall may also be the first sign of an undiagnosed health issue.

Balance is something many people take for granted, but it can become more of a challenge with age. Changes to the inner ear, medication side effects, or underlying conditions like Parkinson’s or the after effects of a stroke may all contribute to unsteadiness or dizziness. Changes in blood pressure, heart conditions and dementia can also be contributory factors. These conditions can increase the likelihood of a fall over time, so it's important to monitor any changes and speak to a healthcare professional if needed.

For people living alone or concerned about the risk of falling, a fall alarm can help detect a fall and raise an alert, offering peace of mind when needed most. A fall alarm can provide reassurance and support continued independence at home.

Muscle strength naturally declines with age, but lack of regular physical activity can also contribute. Everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs, may feel more strenuous, but even small amounts of regular movement can help maintain strength and balance.

The NHS guidelines recommend over 65s should aim to be physically active every day, even if it's just light activity. For those that find exercise difficult, building stamina gradually can be beneficial, even a 10-minute walk close to home. If there are concerns about balance or stability, walking with someone else may offer reassurance.

Reduced vision can increase the risk of trips and falls, particularly if hazards aren't clearly seen. Age-related changes to eyesight often happen gradually, which means some people may not realise they need an updated prescription for their glasses. Double vision can be a side effect of certain medications. Presbyopia (a common age-related condition that affects near vision) may require the use of bifocal or varifocal lenses. These types of glasses can sometimes make it harder to judge steps or kerbs when looking down, potentially increasing the risk of trips and falls.

Not all falls are related to health issues. Environmental factors can also play a role. Inadequate lighting, poor footwear grip, or cluttered walkways may increase the risk, particularly at night. Taking simple precautions, such as improving lighting, choosing non-slip footwear, and avoiding tasks like climbing ladders or reaching into high cupboards, can help reduce the likelihood of an accident.

How to prevent slips and falls

While falls are more common with age, they are not an inevitable part of getting older. Frequent falls may indicate an underlying issue, but there are practical steps that can be taken to reduce the risk and improve safety.

If there is a possibility that medication is contributing to falls, for example, by causing dizziness or double vision, it’s important to speak with a doctor. They may be able to adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative treatment to help reduce these side effects.

There are also practical steps individuals can take to help reduce the risk of falling. Slippery surfaces, such as tiled or wooden floors, can increase the likelihood of a fall, so wearing shoes or slippers with non-slip soles is recommended. Some footwear and socks are designed with rubber grips to provide extra traction. Additional precautions, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom or extra bannisters on staircases, can further improve safety in higher-risk areas of the home.

Maintaining overall health can also help reduce the risk of trips and falls. Regular eye and hearing checks can identify any changes that might affect balance or awareness of surroundings. For those who experience dizziness or unsteadiness, using a mobility aid such as a cane or walker may provide additional support and stability.

How to get help if a fall occurs

If a fall happens, especially when no one is around, getting help quickly can make all the difference to recovery and overall confidence. Many accidents happen at home and this is where a personal alarm can provide vital support. Worn on the wrist or around the neck, some alarms automatically detect a fall and raise the alert without the wearer needing to press anything. This is particularly important if the wearer needs help and cannot speak or move.

Age Co’s alarms are connected to a 24-hour Emergency Resolution team, who can check on the individual by speaking with them through the personal alarm equipment and contact family members or emergency services if needed.

Having a fall alarm offers reassurance for individuals living alone or managing a health condition. Knowing that someone is always there to respond can support independent living and provide reassurance to both individuals and their families.

Summary

• Falls are more common with age but are not an inevitable part of getting older. Identifying the cause can help prevent future incidents.
• Health conditions, medication side effects, vision changes, and muscle weakness can all contribute to increased fall risk.
• Environmental factors such as poor lighting, unsuitable footwear, or cluttered pathways can also lead to slips and trips.
• Regular check-ups, staying active, and taking simple safety measures at home can all help reduce the risk of falling.
• Fall alarms provide a reliable way to call for help if a fall occurs, particularly for people who live alone or have medical conditions.