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273 Australians end up in hospital every day from falls—here’s how to make sure you’re not next

Health & Wellness

273 Australians end up in hospital every day from falls—here’s how to make sure you’re not next

1756437688471.png 273 Australians end up in hospital every day from falls—here’s how to make sure you’re not next
Seniors face growing risk of hospitalised falls daily. Image source: Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko

Every day in Australia, 273 people ended up in hospital because of a fall.


For many, it was just another number—but for Australians over 65, the risk loomed far larger.


A single misstep could change a life in an instant.




Falls were confirmed as Australia’s leading cause of injury hospitalisation and death, representing 43 per cent of injury hospitalisations and 42 per cent of injury deaths, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.




‘Falls are physically very costly and the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation in persons aged 65 years and over’

Australia and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society



The impact on older Australians and their families went beyond statistics.


People aged 65 and over were eight times as likely to be hospitalised and 68 times as likely to die from a fall than those aged 15–64.




Analysis by iSelect of health data from July 2023 to June 2024 revealed that while falls accounted for the largest portion of injury hospitalisations, the demographic story was complex.


Almost two-thirds of hospitalisations due to falls were female, yet men had a 36.1 per cent higher overall admission rate for injuries and a higher age-standardised rate of deaths from falls.




Quick home safety checklist


Remove loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing


Ensure adequate lighting in all areas, especially stairs and hallways


Install grab bars in bathrooms and near toilets


Keep frequently used items within easy reach


Clear walkways of clutter, electrical cords, and obstacles


Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles


Check that handrails were secure and extended the full length of stairs





The increased vulnerability of older adults was not just about age—it reflected changes in bone density, muscle tone, balance and eyesight, which also influenced recovery and quality of life after a fall.


When falls occurred, the consequences were often severe: half of hospitalised falls involved a fracture, and open wounds were the next most common injury.


Falls were the leading cause of hip fracture hospital admissions, accounting for nine in ten cases.


The financial costs were substantial, with falls costing $4.3 billion annually, equivalent to $153 per capita, and hospitalised older Australians had an average length of stay of 9.5 days, though recovery often continued long after discharge.



Did you know?


Did you know? After falling, 48 per cent of older people reported a fear of falling and 25 per cent reduced their activities, creating post-fall syndrome that could limit independence even without serious injury.




Most falls requiring hospitalisation occurred in the home, over half on single-level surfaces, while seven per cent involved stairs or steps.


The good news was that falls were largely preventable, with multiple component group exercise, home exercise programs, tai chi and multifactorial interventions—including individual risk assessment—reducing both the rate and risk of falls.




Proven fall prevention strategies


Regular exercise programs focusing on balance and strength


Tai chi classes specifically designed for older adults


Professional home safety assessments


Regular vision and hearing checks


Medication reviews to identify fall-risk drugs


Proper nutrition to maintain bone density




Australian states supported fall prevention, with Western Australia’s 'Stay on Your Feet' initiative and Queensland Health’s bathroom safety resources offering practical guidance.


Admission rates due to falls rose consistently with age—4.5 per cent per year for men (doubling every 15.7 years) and 7.9 per cent per year for women (doubling every 9.1 years) beyond age 40—highlighting the increasing importance of prevention.


Simple home modifications could make a significant difference, and many councils offered home safety assessments, while physiotherapists could design exercises to improve balance and strength.


Preventive action was not about limiting life—it ensured it could be lived fully.



What This Means For You


Falls were Australia’s leading cause of injury hospitalisation and death, with older adults most at risk, making it vital for anyone over 60 to understand their personal risk and take action at home.


Post-fall syndrome could affect confidence, mobility, and independence even when no serious injury occurred, meaning a single fall could quietly change daily life and limit the activities seniors enjoy.


Most hospitalised falls happened at home, often on single-level surfaces, reminding older Australians that danger can be closer than they realise—right in their living rooms, kitchens, or hallways.


Evidence-based strategies, such as targeted exercise, professional home safety assessments, and reviewing medications that increase fall risk, were proven to effectively reduce the likelihood of falls and help maintain independence and quality of life.




Here’s the combined

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I’ve had so many falls, this yr fell on a tram and it injured my back, concussion. Fractured my ankle mth later, discovered while at ER a ct scan was done Dr says do you know you have a lump in your head, shocked no. Crashed with the little frame for ankle. A few wks ago lost my balance at supermarket a van saved me I hit it slid down it and bumped on ground 🤣 couldn’t get up 2 people came to my rescue. Saw Neurosurgeon last week as issues with bladder and bowel, legs weak etc. Checked my reflexes and the ankle that was fractured it has an issue called Clonus and could be my issue is my neck. Surgery to back in x amount of weeks. Waiting for MRI on neck and may need surgery to that. Ahhh the joys of an oldie but also issues from playing sport yrs ago!
 
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One of the major sources of falling is tripping when walking on our uneven pavements, streets etc. etc.etc. especially where one part of the pavement is raised,
I found that by adopting the method used by Olympic walkers in the 50km walk, I am much less likely to trip and fall.
The walk is called "Heel and Toe"
Your heel reaches the pavement first and your toe is in the air, thereby avoiding the raised bit of the pavement.
I am NOT a doctor or anything involved with the medical profession.
I am merely relating my experience which works for me.
 
I’ve had so many falls, this yr fell on a tram and it injured my back, concussion. Fractured my ankle mth later, discovered while at ER a ct scan was done Dr says do you know you have a lump in your head, shocked no. Crashed with the little frame for ankle. A few wks ago lost my balance at supermarket a van saved me I hit it slid down it and bumped on ground 🤣 couldn’t get up 2 people came to my rescue. Saw Neurosurgeon last week as issues with bladder and bowel, legs weak etc. Checked my reflexes and the ankle that was fractured it has an issue called Clonus and could be my issue is my neck. Surgery to back in x amount of weeks. Waiting for MRI on neck and may need surgery to that. Ahhh the joys of an oldie but also issues from playing sport yrs ago!
Take care! I must admit that I didn't think old age would be like this.
 
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Take care! I must admit that I didn't think old age would be like this.
😂 me neither. Thank you. As younger I think I was indestructible 😂 also sports didn’t quite help.
 
I hear you - arthritis in my fingers, knees, shoulders - all from sport - basketball, squash, touch footy etc - now paying for the fun.
Heard a beauty the other day - how do you recognise a senior? Ask if they had a fall or if they fell over. Youngins don't have a fall - they fall over. :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
 
One of the major sources of falling is tripping when walking on our uneven pavements, streets etc. etc.etc. especially where one part of the pavement is raised,
I found that by adopting the method used by Olympic walkers in the 50km walk, I am much less likely to trip and fall.
The walk is called "Heel and Toe"
Your heel reaches the pavement first and your toe is in the air, thereby avoiding the raised bit of the pavement.
I am NOT a doctor or anything involved with the medical profession.
I am merely relating my experience which works for me.
I also had a similar fall and ended up in hospital with a broken wrist, I had to have an operation to have plate & screws inserted to fix it.
I also then had 6 weeks of physio to help with strength and balance.
I am now very aware when walking on uneven ground
 
Another risk is how you put your foot on the frame on the floor that sliding doors fit to.
Even with heel, toe if you miss seeing something on the ground it can "roll" under your foot and you fall. If you visit people who have a baby gate and don't concentrate on lifting your feet higher that can cause a fall. "Fallen" berries, flowers and leaves on the ground including footpaths can cause falls too. My Mum fell on some and fractured her jaw.
 

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