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.
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.
Dizziness can take many forms (e.g. light headedness, spinning, etc.) but it is never normal regardless of age.
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.
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.
Keeping active is extremely important, particularly as we age. Muscle weakness and poor balance are key risk factors for falls.
Good eyesight is important for mobility, balance and negotiating obstacles within the environment.
As we get older, problems with memory loss, confusion and problem solving can become more common.
Good nutrition is vital for physical and mental function, and losing weight unintentionally is not a normal part of the ageing process.
Keeping our bones as strong as possible is particularly important as we age as they naturally become thinner over time.
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.
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.
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.
Please note that the advice contained on this website is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or other health professional
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