Mature Health

Did you know that falls are a major cause of preventable injury-related hospitalisations in Australia? Fall injuries can be severe and take a long time to recover from, so it's important to keep our bones healthy, exercise and increase our balance and strength. This is especially important as we get older.

Get the facts:

  • About one in three older adults has a fall at least once each year
  • One in two women and one in three men over 60 years old in Australia are affected by osteoporosis
  • Ongoing participation in exercise that improves balance and strength reduces your risk of falls
  • Some psychoactive medications (e.g. anti-depressants, antipsychotics, sedatives and sleeping tables) are associated with an increase in the risk of falls
  • Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for maintaining strong bones and reducing your risk of falls
  • Weight-bearing and resistance exercise also help protect you against falls injuries 

Check yourself:

You are at greater risk of a falls related injury if you answer 'no' to any of the following:

  • Do you exercise (for example walk, swim, go to the gym) for 30 minutes or more most days of the week?
  • Do you do any balance and strength activities, such as dancing, Tai Chi or an exercise session provided by a health professional or fitness instructor?
  • Do you eat at least 3-4 serves of high calcium foods a day, such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, almonds or salmon with bones?
  • Do you get enough vitamin D from time in the sun (sun exposure is not recommended between 11.00am - 3.00pm in the summer months)?
    • about 6-8 minutes 4-6 times a week
    • about 6-8 minutes 5-6 times a week for older adults
    • about 15 minutes for people with darker skin

Get help:

Find out how to stay on your feet: