Falls prevention & safety promotion

The injury prevention work of the Health Promotion Service primarily focuses on reducing falls among older adults, and to a lesser extent reducing alcohol as a risk factor for injury.

Fall-related injury can have serious consequences for older adults, their carers, and also for the community. In general, approximately one in three people over the age of 65 years will fall at least once each year. For NSW residents aged 65 years and older, falls were the most common cause of injury-related deaths between 2000 and 2004, and of hospitalisation between 2002 and 2005.

Even without a serious injury, a fall can result in a loss of confidence which has detrimental effects on quality of life. A fall can lead to a decline in a person’s mobility and physical ability, independence and social activities.

Research shows that activities that improve the balance, strength, flexibility and mobility of older adults have the best potential to reduce the risk of injury from a fall.

Our work focuses on promoting and increasing appropriate physical activity opportunities for older adults living in the community by working with those who provide exercise programs for this group.

Our current activities include:

• Active over 50
• EASY STEPS to health
• Make a Start falls prevention campaign
• Make a Start physical activity directory for over 50s
• Modified Otago pilot progam
• SHARE

More information
Contact Alex Voukelatos on 9515 9079 or avouk@email.cs.nsw.gov.au