Live stronger for longer by staying active

26 July 2018 – Did you know every year 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 injure themselves in a fall? The risk rises to one in two for those over 80.

But falls aren’t part of the ageing process. Most are preventable.

You can assess your risk of experiencing a serious fall by answering a few quick questions.

• Have you slipped, tripped or fallen in the last year?
• Do you need to use your hands to get out of a chair?
• Have you avoided some activities because you might lose your balance?
• Do you worry about falling?

Fear of falls leads some people to restrict their daily activities. Sadly, this not only affects quality of life, it can actually increase the risk of falling.

Staying active can help improve balance, strength and flexibility, and keep bones stronger — all great things that help to reduce falls or minimise injuries if something should happen.

You may benefit from attending a community group strength and balance class or talking with your doctor about things you can do at home to support better strength and balance.

Visit the Live Stronger For Longer website for advice and resources to help you reduce the risk of falls, including how to improve safety around your home and other ways to look after your health so you’re less likely to fall.

You can also find a community group strength and balance class near you so you’ll not only reduce the risk of a fall, you’ll also improve your road to recovery if you are injured.

Check out the range of mobility equipment and assistive technology for independent living at Life Unlimited Store, including the HandyBar, a clever, multi-purpose tool designed to provide support when getting in and out of your vehicle.

Other resources

Read our Life Unlimited Store article about reducing the risk of falls in your bathroom.

As we get older, our hearing can deteriorate. Problems with ears can cause dizziness and affect your balance. Get free, independent advice about your hearing health from a qualified hearing therapist from Life Unlimited.

Seek help for bladder control if hurried visits to the bathroom are increasing the likelihood of a fall.

Read our Life Unlimited Store article about easy to use exercise equipment you can use at home.