Current Region: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Switch Region

Information and Advice

This section contains information to help you reduce your risk of falls. To personalise this advice, please complete the self-assessment tool which will allow you to create a printable action plan.
Download All Information (PDF)
Information and Advice
Download All Information (PDF)

Take our online assessment today

Go to the Self Assessment Tool

View our advice and videos on how to help you reduce your risk of falls using exercise

View Exercises List

Falls

Falling, or feeling at risk of falls, is not an inevitable part of getting older. It may be the first sign of a new or worsening health condition (e.g. infection, dehydration, etc) so it is important to tell your GP if you do have a fall.

View Falls Advice

Blackouts

A blackout (or faint) is a sudden loss of consciousness caused by a shortage of blood and oxygen to the brain. This may only last for a second but it could be enough to cause a fall to the ground.

View Blackouts Advice

Dizziness

Dizziness can take many forms (e.g. light headedness, spinning, etc.) but it is never normal regardless of age.

View Dizziness Advice

Medication

Falls can be caused by almost any medication that acts on the brain or on the circulation because they can impair balance, cause dizziness and make you feel drowsy. If you are on 4 or more medications, this risk increases even further.

View Medication Advice

Environment

Over half of all falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety.

View Environment Advice

Movement and Exercise

Keeping active is extremely important, particularly as we age. Muscle weakness and poor balance are key risk factors for falls.

View Movement and Exercise Advice

Vision

Good eyesight is important for mobility, balance and negotiating obstacles within the environment.

View Vision Advice

Memory

As we get older, problems with memory loss, confusion and problem solving can become more common.

View Memory Advice

Nutrition and Hydration

Good nutrition is vital for physical and mental function, and losing weight unintentionally is not a normal part of the ageing process.

View Nutrition and Hydration Advice

Bone Health

Keeping our bones as strong as possible is particularly important as we age as they naturally become thinner over time.

View Bone Health Advice

Feet

It is important to take care of your feet because problems like long toe nails, loss of feeling and poor footwear can cause discomfort and make you unsteady.

View Feet Advice

Fear of Falling

Anyone can have a fall. You are definitely not alone. Falling can be very frightening and may lead to a loss of confidence, restriction of activities, anxiety and worry.

View Fear of Falling Advice

Sleep and Falls

Sleep patterns change with age. Sleeping in the day, not sleeping at night, and early morning waking are common. Try not to worry about not sleeping. Instead try using relaxation as positive action that you can take.

View Sleep and Falls Advice