Don't Fall for it: Healthy Ageing and Falls Prevention

Falls prevention is becoming increasingly important as Western Australia’s population continues to age. At the recent RPH Research Foundation Community Health Talk, Professor Anne-Marie Hill, Senior Principal Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia, delivered an informative session sharing research insights to help prevent falls and promote healthy ageing.

With over 238,000 hospitalisations, falls are a leading cause of hospital admissions among older adults and cost the health system $4.7 billion annually.

“Falls don’t just happen to frail or elderly individuals,” said Professor Hill. “In fact, over 50% of falls happen around the home during routine activities, not while engaging in extreme sports or activities.” This statistic challenges the perception that falls are simply accidents or the result of bad luck. Rather, they are largely preventable through targeted strategies, including regular exercise.

One of the key takeaways from Professor Hill’s talk was the power of exercise in preventing falls. She explained, “If exercise were a pill, it would be the single most prescribed medication globally due to its proven benefits.” Regular exercise, particularly exercise that focuses on strength, balance, and general activity, is essential for reducing falls risk. Activities like walking, gardening, dancing, or using simple home equipment such as hand weights or resistance bands can make a significant difference in maintaining physical strength and balance as we age.

Professor Hill also touched on common risk factors for falls, including vision impairment, dizziness, and home hazards. She urged attendees to take simple but effective steps such as improving lighting at home, wearing proper footwear, and avoiding multifocal glasses that can distort vision while walking.

Professor Hill encouraged everyone to adopt a positive attitude toward ageing and to share these prevention strategies with their loved ones. Watch the recording below to learn more about healthy ageing and falls prevention:

Professor Hill’s talk concludes the RPH Research Foundation’s Community Health Talk series for 2024. Please subscribe to our e-newsletter if you would like to be notified of the 2025 Community Health Talks program, run in partnership with the City of Perth Library.