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This year’s theme is “From Awareness to Action”, to underline the fact that falls are not a normal part of ageing. Most falls can be prevented and older adults have the power to reduce their risk of falling. Maintaining physical activity and boosting fitness levels are a key part of reducing the risk of falls.
To promote greater awareness and understanding here are 6 common myths and the reality about older adult falls. Use this information in your conversations with older adults to help raise their awareness and create positive action:
Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me.
Reality: Many people think, "It won't happen to me." But the truth is, in the UK, around 1 in 3 adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year.
Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older.
Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing medications, having vision checked, and making the living environment safer are all steps to prevent a fall.
Active Cumbria can share free eLearning licences with practitioners about what actually happens to us as we age – to find out more email clare.paling@cumberland.gov.uk
Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won't fall.
Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities help people to stay independent because a person’s strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for supporting overall health.
Use our activity finder to look for local classes and activities.
Myth 4: As long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.
Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Age UK has a useful guide for making your home fall-proof.
Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can't be regained.
Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise programme. Even if someone has been a "couch potato" their whole life, it is never too late to ‘close the fitness gap’ between how fit you are and how fit you could be, which will in turn help protect from falls.
Check out Home Exercises for Older Adults
Myth 6: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.
Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. It needs to be discussed with health professionals, family, and anyone else who is in a position to help. Everyone wants to support older adults to maintain their mobility and reduce the risk of falling.
We have collated a selection of information and resources related to frailty and falls here