Roughly 28-35% of Australians aged 65 and over fall each year (2-4) increasing

to 32-42% for those over 70 years of age.

This month marks ‘No falls month’ aiming to raise awareness and put in place preventative measures.

RSL care + RDNS a NFP provider supporting over 104,000 ageing Australians has expanded its Be Health and Active program and partnered with Bowls Australia to hold a series of falls prevention workshops.

 

The workshops will cover education on falls prevention, identify potential risks and teach attendees exercises to improve strength, mobility and balance in order to remain independent and safe at home.

The workshops will also help develop an action plan for senior in the event that they do have a fall. 

Older Australians are a higher risk of falls due to diminishing eyesight, decreased bone density and medication.

The average health system cost per individual fall is estimated at AU$4,760. Hospital inpatient service costs being the greatest cost accounting for 50% of the total falls cost.

Falls lead to 20-30% of mild to severe injuries and are the underlying cause of 10-15% of hospital emergency department visits. Falls can also result in post-fall syndrome that includes; confusion, loss of independence, immobilisation and depression. 

It is important to provide ageing Australians with the right information and educate them with preventative steps to ensure the risk is minimised.   

Click here to view the falls prevention workshops held in Victoria.