Approximately 37 million falls occur worldwide every year, requiring medical attention and creating a significant public health challenge.
In Australia, falls and fall related injuries are a growing concern, costing an estimated $2.3 billion annually. Older adults are particularly at risk, with one in three experiencing a fall each year.
As Australia prepares to launch the 2025 National Falls Prevention Strategy – aiming to reduce falls by 30% – an understanding the types of falls, and their frequency, is essential.
A new study from Deakin University’s Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) draws on data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, exploring the characteristics, circumstances and treatment for falls and fall related injuries in Australians.
IMPACT PhD candidate Tewodros Yosef highlights that certain factors increase the risk of falls, including location, gender, age and health conditions.
Where and why falls happen
Interestingly, Tewodros notes that most falls occur outdoors rather than indoors, often due to environmental factors like uneven footpaths and obstacles.
‘In Victoria, falls are more common in winter due to wet and slippery conditions from rainfall, frost or occasional snow at higher elevations,’ he says.
‘Older adults and individuals with mobility issues are more vulnerable to fall risks during winter due to reduced daylight hours.
‘Tailored interventions focusing on high-risk situations, like heights, could prevent serious injuries, especially for those already prone to falls.’
Age and gender differences
The risk of fall-related injuries also varies between men and women and increases with age.
‘While men fall more frequently than women, women tend to sustain more serious injuries, including fractures,’ Tewodros explains.
‘This may be due to differences in bone density and muscle strength deterioration, especially after menopause, highlighting the need for targeted fall prevention and bone health support for women.
The risk also increases with age, with 32% of people aged 65 years and over experiencing a fall.
Health conditions that increase falls risk
People with conditions like arthritis, low bone density and cancer are more susceptible to falls.
‘These musculoskeletal conditions increase the risk due to pain and poor balance,’ Tewodros says.
‘Cancer-induced weight, fat and muscle loss contributes to physical decline and leaves individuals vulnerable to falls.’
Individuals with a high body mass index (BMI) were also found to be at risk, due to reduced balance and mobility.
‘Higher BMI is consistently associated with a heightened fall risk, possibly due to the presence of underlying comorbidities or medications used for treatment,’ Tewodros says.
Tewodros’ research aims to shed light on the prevalence, causes and risks associated with falls, offering insights that can help shape effective, community-wide prevention strategies.
‘By understanding these risk factors and supporting prevention efforts, we can help reduce fall occurrences and improve the well-being of our ageing population,’ he says.
