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Delivering a Healthy WA
Stay On Your Feet WA®

Are you at risk?

When you're over 65, a fall can have serious consequences for your mobility, independence and lifestyle.

Did you know?

  • Falling is not a normal part of ageing – falls can be prevented.
  • Only a small number of falls are caused by tripping, slipping or "not being careful" – most are the result of health or lifestyle factors.
  • One in three people aged 65 years or over will fall each year.

Falls can happen to anyone but you can take charge of your own mobility and independence by preventing falls before they happen.

Assess your personal risk

» Have you had a fall in the last year?

  • Having previously fallen increases your chance of falling again

» Do you do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a day?
» Are you unsteady on your feet?
» Do you find it difficult to get up from a chair?
» Do you have trouble walking?

  • Many falls are the result of muscle weakness and/or impaired balance

» Are you taking three or more medicines?
» Are you taking sleeping tablets, tranquillisers or anti-depressants?
» Has it been more than a year since your GP reviewed your medicines?

  • Some side effects and combinations of medicines can increase your risk of a fall

» Do you have diabetes, arthritis or Parkinson’s disease?
» Have you had a stroke?
» Do you have problems with your heart or circulation?
» Has it been more than a year since your eyes were tested or your glasses checked?
» Do you experience dizziness, light headedness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, blurred or double vision or have difficulty thinking clearly?

  • Many health conditions can increase your risk of falling

If you answered “yes”

to one or more of these questions you are at risk of falling. The good news is that there are steps you can take now to reduce your risk.

You can download our print-friendly falls risk checklist to discuss with your GP or other health professional. This is available as a standard version (PDF 107KB) or large print version (PDF 37KB).

If you answered “no”

to all of these questions, but are aged 65 or over, take falls seriously and find out how to prevent falls before they happen.