Falls are the leading cause of injury in Western Australia, with one in three people over 65 experiencing a fall each year. The risk of falls increases with age and is higher for those with arthritis and osteoporosis. Injury Matters’ Stay On Your Feet® program provides information and strategies to help older adults prevent slips, trips, and falls. The Stay On Your Feet® Improve Your Health campaign empowers older adults to maintain independence and prevent falls through a nutritious diet, medication management, and keeping a healthy mind.

A balanced diet plays a key role in maintaining bone and muscle function and strength, including improving joint function and reducing inflammation. Eating regular meals from various food groups rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other essential nutrients can support overall health and give us the energy required for daily activities. Incorporating leafy green vegetables, which are high in vitamins A, C, and K, are beneficial for bone health and can help reduce the risk of falls.

Keeping hydrated is just as important. Dehydration can cause dizziness, increasing the risk of falls. Drinking adequate water throughout the day helps maintain physical stability and cognitive function. Keeping a water bottle handy or having a cup of water near your favourite chair can help you stay hydrated. It’s also important to be mindful of alcohol consumption, as it can impair judgment, balance, and coordination, and interact with medications, heightening the risk of falls.

Managing your medications is another key strategy for preventing falls. Medications, including those prescribed by doctors, over-the-counter drugs, and natural supplements like vitamins, can have side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. The Stay On Your Feet® medicine list can help manage these side effects and reduce fall risk. It’s recommended to have medications reviewed annually by a GP or pharmacist to understand potential side effects and interactions.

Keeping your brain active is important at every age. Cognitive health is essential for maintaining alertness and responding to your surroundings. Many simple and enjoyable activities can help you keep your brain active such as reading, puzzles, and memory games. Staying socially active also supports cognitive health. Try volunteering, sharing meals with friends and family, or joining local social groups. Additionally, doing activities like cooking, knitting, woodworking, gardening, or learning new skills such as a language or a musical instrument can keep the mind active and healthy.

Falls are preventable no matter your age. Understanding your falls risk is the first step, followed by identifying changes you can make to prevent falls. Determine your risk with the Stay On Your Feet® Falls Risk Checklist and access other free resources to prevent falls. Visit www.stayonyourfeet.com.au or call 1300 30 35 40.