Falls in Older Australians: Why it Matters More Than You Think

Falls in Older Australians: Why It Matters More Than You Think

I originally planned to publish this in early April to support “April Falls”, a health awareness campaign that shines a spotlight on the prevention of falls among older adults.

The 2025 theme — “Falls prevention is everyone’s business” — couldn’t be more relevant. While it may seem like a distant issue, especially if you’re in your 40s or 50s like me (I’m 51), the reality is this: falls affect us all, whether through ageing parents, grandparents, or even our own future health.

Most of us have loved ones who are getting older. And with any luck, we’ll all reach old age ourselves — making falls a personal concern, not just a clinical one.

Why Falls Matter

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW):

• Falls are the leading cause of hospitalised injuries and injury-related deaths in Australians aged 65 and over.
• As our population ages, these numbers are climbing — with serious consequences for health, independence, and quality of life.

Dr. Peter Attia, a physician focused on longevity, highlights a sobering statistic:

“Once you hit the age of 65, if you fall — which is pretty likely — and you break your hip or femur, there is a 15–30% chance you will be dead within the next 12 months.”

To be honest, this statistic shocked me!

We don’t typically associate falls with death — but for older adults, a single fall can become a turning point. Even if not fatal, falls can lead to long hospital stays, lasting complications, reduced mobility, and the loss of independence.

The Facts: AIHW 2019–20 Data

Here’s a snapshot of the latest data on falls among Australians aged 65+:

• 8× more likely to be hospitalised than adults aged 15–64
• Average hospital stay: 9.5 days
• 63% of hospitalised falls occurred in women
• 1 in 2 falls happened at home
• 1 in 5 falls occurred in residential aged care
• 60% of falls were due to slips, trips or stumbles on level surfaces
• 50% involved fractures, followed by open wounds (14%)
• In 2018–19, falls accounted for $4.3 billion in health care costs — 41% of total injury spending

What Can Be Done?

✅ Falls are not inevitable — they are preventable.

Evidence-based strategies include:

• Regular strength and balance training (e.g., Tai Chi, resistance exercises, Pilates)
• Home safety modifications, like grab rails, better lighting, and non-slip flooring
• Medication reviews to reduce dizziness and side effects
• Routine vision and hearing checks

The NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network reports that any type of strength or balance exercise can reduce the risk of falling by up to 23%.

If you’re unsure where to start, talk to your GP. They can refer you to professionals like:

• A Physiotherapist
• An Accredited Exercise Physiologist
• A certified Fitness Trainer with experience in fall prevention

Why This Matters for All of Us

Falls aren’t just about broken bones. They can mean months of rehabilitation, loss of independence, or permanent disability. They impact not only individuals, but their families, carers, and communities.

As Australia’s population ages, taking action now is critical — not just to save healthcare costs, but to preserve dignity, mobility, and quality of life.

So, whether you’re 51 like me or 81 like a beloved parent or grandparent — take that first step today. Exercise more, check in on a loved one’s living environment, or book that GP appointment.

Because falls prevention really is everyone’s business.

📚 References

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022). Falls in older Australians 2019–20: hospitalisations and deaths among people aged 65 and over. AIHW, Australian Government. [Accessed 22 April 2025]
  https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/falls-in-older-australians-2019-20
• NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network. April Falls 2025 Campaign.
  https://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au
• Attia, P. (2022). AMA #37: Bone Health—Everything You Need to Know. The Peter Attia Drive Podcast.
  https://peterattiamd.com/ama37/
• World Health Organization (2021). Falls: Key Facts.
  https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls