Did you know that falling is not a normal part of aging?
Falls prevention is a key priority for Greater Manchester. Falls can be serious for older people who are less able to recover well, which can lead to serious injury, admission to hospital or move into long-term care.
We have teamed up with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to set up a ‘Greater Manchester Falls Collaborative’, that is preventing falls.
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is our opportunity to spread awareness about some of the common causes of falls and how you can work to prevent them.
Staying healthy as you get older improves your day-to-day life. If you are less physically active, you are more likely to fall. The most common risks that can result in a fall:
- Physical – changes in your body that increase your risk of a fall.
- Behavioural – things you do, or don’t do, that increase your risk of a fall.
- Environment – hazards in your home or community.
The key is to know where to look:
- Muscle weakness, balance, and gait problems – as we age, most of us lose some strength, coordination, flexibility, and balance — primarily through inactivity, making it easier to fall.
- Vision– in the aging eye, less light reaches the retina, which makes it harder to see contrasting edges, tripping hazards, and obstacles.
- Medication use – some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, sleepiness, dehydration, or interactions with each other that can lead to a fall.
- Environment– most older adults have lived in their homes for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that can keep it safer as they age.
- Long term health conditions– more than 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. Often, these increase the risk of falling because they result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain, or use of multiple medications.
Here are our top tips to avoid a fall at home:
- immediately mop up any spillages.
- remove clutter, trailing wires, and frayed carpet.
- use non-slip mats and rugs.
- make sure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit.
- organise your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are kept to a minimum, and to avoid bumping into things.
- get help to do things you’re unable to do safely on your own.
- don’t walk on slippery floors in socks or tights.
- don’t wear loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up.
- wear well-fitting shoes that are in good condition and support the ankle.
- take care of your feet by trimming your toenails regularly and seeing a GP or podiatrist (foot health professional) about any foot problems.
The NHS also recommends staying active and doing strength and balance exercises to reduce your risk of falls.
You must also look after your eyes and make an appointment to have a sight test if you’re concerned about vision loss, even when you are wearing glasses.
Avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink can reduce your risk of having a fall.
Visit the NHS falls prevention page for more information.
*Acknowledgement for The National Council on Aging (NCO) Falls Prevention Awareness Week campaign assets and materials.
NHS Falls Prevention Week 2024
