One-third of people over 65, and one-half of people over 80 have a fall at least once a year. However, with some effort and thought, you can reduce your chances of falling.

This article highlights only one aspect of preventing falls: 'fall-proofing yourself'. It does not cover the other equally important aspect: 'fall-proofing your house and garden'. For practical information about falls prevention, get yourself a free copy of the booklet 'Don't fall for it. Falls can be prevented!' by ringing the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.

Look after yourself

Being active is one of the most important things you can do to prevent falls, because exercise makes you stronger and improves your balance and coordination. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days. Walking and exercises that improve your balance and strengthen your trunk, bottom and leg muscles, such as tai chi and pilates, are particularly helpful.

Some medicines may make you more likely to have falls
by making you drowsy, dizzy or unsteady

You need good eyesight to see obstacles, judge distances and maintain your balance, so have your eyes checked by an optometrist at least once every two years.

Well fitting shoes make walking easier and reduce your chances of stumbling and slipping. Look for shoes with flat heels and non-slip soles.

Manage your medical problems

Some medical conditions make you more likely to have falls. However, if you and your doctor work together to manage your condition in the best way possible, you can often reduce the likelihood. Conditions that predispose to falls include

• stroke
• Parkinson's disease
• low blood pressure
• some heart problems
• diabetes
• eye problems, such as cataract and glaucoma
• arthritis
• foot problems, such as bunions, corns and hammer toe
• epilepsy
• dementia.

Keep your doctor informed about how you've been feeling and any changes you've noticed, so they have the information needed to fine-tune your treatment. Also, tell them if you've had any falls or developed any symptoms that make it harder to move around, such as dizziness, unsteadiness or foot pain.

Keep yourself informed about your medical condition, its treatment and what you can do to maintain better control by asking your doctor any questions you may have, and reading information from books, websites and support groups.

Medicines and falls

The effects of some medicines may make you more likely to have falls by making you drowsy, dizzy or unsteady. Sometimes, the effect is the aim of the medicine, for example, sleeping tablets are intended to make you drowsy. Sometimes, the effect is a result of the medicine 'working too effectively', for example, blood pressure-lowering medicines sometimes lower your blood pressure too much, resulting in dizziness. At other times, it is a side effect of the medicine that causes the problem — for example, some antidepressants can cause blurred vision. The table opposite explains how some types of medicines can lead to falls.

Falls due to medicines are more likely if you're taking four or more medicines a day. They are also more likely as you become older, because older people are more sensitive to the effects of medicines than younger people.

Manage your medicines

When starting a new medicine, ask your doctor about possible effects and side effects that could make you more likely to have falls, and watch out for them, especially during the first few weeks. If you suspect that a medicine may be affecting your ability to get around or concentrate, talk to your doctor. They may be able to change the medicine or the dose so it does not cause problems.

If taking several medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about having a Home Medicines Review. A Home Medicines Review involves a pharmacist coming to your home and reviewing all your medicines, including your non-prescription medicines, to see if there are any potential problems, such as interactions, with your combination of medicines. After the review, the pharmacist writes a report for your GP, so the GP can adjust your medicines if necessary.

Take your medicines as prescribed. If taking several medicines, find a way of keeping track of whether or not you've taken them. Consider using a pill box or medication organiser with labelled compartments for each day of the week. Alternatively, consider asking your pharmacist to dispense your week's supply of medicines in a dosette box or Webster pack.

Medicines that may make you more likely to fall

Many medicines can make you more likely to have falls. The table below lists some of the medicines most commonly associated with falls. However, while they may contribute to falls in some people, they don't cause falls in everyone.

The purpose of the list is to make you more aware of the medicines that may predispose to falls, so you can watch for any signs that the medicine is affecting you, and talk to your doctor before you have a fall.

By making you drowsy

Medicines for anxiety
Sleeping tablets
Some antidepressants
Some medicines for mental illness
Medicines for epilepsy
Medicines for allergies and many antihistamines
Cold and flu medicines containing antihistamines
Medicines for nausea, vomiting and travel sickness
Strong painkillers

By making you dizzy

Medicines for blood pressure
Fluid or water tablets taken to lower blood pressure
Medicines for Parkinson's disease
Some antidepressants
Some medicines for mental illness
Medicines for epilepsy
Medicines for diabetes
Some antibiotics

By blurring your vision

Some antidepressants
Medicines for urinary incontinence and/or abdominal cramps
Some pain killers
Occasionally, eye drops and eye ointments

By causing you to rush to the toilet

Fluid tablets
Laxatives