Can falls be prevented?

Getting older can bring changes in balance, strength and vision, which can make everyday tasks a bit harder and increase your chances of slipping or falling. The good news is that many accidents can be easily prevented.

With a few simple changes at home and small adjustments to your daily routine, you can stay independent and confident for longer.

In this guide, you’ll find clear answers to common questions about fall prevention, including some practical ideas to reduce your risk of falling both at home and outdoors.

Are falls preventable?

Yes, most falls are preventable, but it’s important to remember that not all falls can be completely avoided and accidents do happen.

Many common causes of falls can be reduced by making thoughtful changes to your environment and daily habits. By removing hazards and focusing on your overall wellbeing, you can lower your risk and make falls much less likely.

Our goal is to help you stay safe, steady and independent, so we’ve outlined a few simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of falling.

1. Improve lighting in your home

Poor lighting is one of the main causes of trips and falls, particularly at night. To avoid this problem, don't delay changing lightbulbs and make sure your hallways, stairs and bathrooms are well-lit. For extra safety, consider keeping a torch by your bed or installing night lights to help guide you safely.

It's equally important to ensure that outdoor areas, such as garden paths, front doors and steps, have adequate lighting to prevent accidents in the dark. Where possible, fixed-position lights may be more beneficial, as this allows you to go hands-free without a torch, meaning you can focus on mobility aids and handrails to help keep you steady.

2. Choose supportive footwear

Picking the right footwear is a simple way to help you stay steady on your feet and reduce your risk of falling. If you’re wearing old or loose slippers or shoes that don’t fit well, consider switching to secure shoes with adjustable fastenings. When buying new footwear, make sure to pick shoes that are supportive, have good treads on the soles and feel comfortable to wear.

3. Use mobility aids with confidence

If you ever feel a little unsteady on your feet, using a walking stick, rollator or frame can give you extra balance and peace of mind as you move around. Our mobility walking aids range includes easy-to-use options for every level of support. There are lots of different aids available, so you can find the right one for you, helping you to keep active even when you need a little extra help.

If you already have a walking aid, make sure you use it even for those short trips around the house, like popping into the kitchen for a cuppa. We know it’s tempting to leave your mobility aids behind when it’s just a short trip, but the fact is that accidents can happen when you least expect them. Getting into the habit of using your mobility aids even for short trips can help to preserve your mobility and avoid falls in the comfort of your own home.

What percentage of falls are preventable?

Every year in the UK, there are an estimated 3.4 million falls in people over 65. In hospitals across England and Wales, more than 240,000 inpatient falls are reported annually. As we get older, the risk of falling rises sharply, making falls one of the main causes of injury among older adults.

According to NHS data , if you’re over 65, your chances of falling are higher; about one in three people in this age group will have a fall each year. For those over 80, it’s about one in two.

Experts estimate that up to half of these falls could be prevented with simple changes like those listed above, which can dramatically reduce the risk.

What is the difference between fall protection and fall prevention?

Fall prevention focuses on stopping falls from happening in the first place. This might include improving home safety, wearing supportive footwear, keeping walkways clear and staying physically active to maintain balance and strength. It can be a great way to help avoid injury for all ages - and as the adage says, ‘prevention is better than a cure.’

However, as we’ve noted previously, not all falls can be prevented. Accidents happen, and being prepared with protective techniques can help to minimise the impact of falls and get you the help you need sooner rather than later. This can include:

• Cushioned clothing, flooring and surfaces that help to absorb the physical impact of a fall and reduce the risk of injury
• Removing clutter and choosing furniture with rounded edges so that you’re less likely to hurt yourself by falling against something sharp or pointed
• Keeping a personal alarm, fall detector or even something as simple as your mobile phone close, so you can call for help should you need it.

Both fall prevention and fall protection measures help you stay safe, confident and more independent at home and outdoors - and a combination of the two is an ideal way to look after your health and wellbeing as much as possible. It’s never too early to start thinking about fall prevention and protection, as you can help to reduce your risk of falls as early as in your 50s.

You don’t have to just accept falls as part of getting older. With a few simple changes and the right products to support you, you can lower your risk and feel more secure at home and out and about. Start taking steps now to help you stay independent, confident and enjoy every day with greater peace of mind.