Written by Sophie | Senior Exercise Physiologist, Healthy Connections

Falls are more common than many people think and they can happen to anyone.

In Australia, 1 in 4 people over 65 experience at least one fall each year. It’s the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations in this age group, and one of the most frequent concerns we hear from clients at Healthy Connections.

That’s why this May, in recognition of Falls Prevention Month, we’re focusing on something simple but powerful: starting the conversation.

Why do falls happen?

Falls are rarely caused by just one thing. They’re often the result of multiple factors, including:

• Tripping or turning too quickly
• Muscle weakness or reduced balance
• Health conditions or medication side effects
• Environmental hazards

At the core, most falls come down to a loss of balance.

The good news? Most falls are preventable.

Step one: Start the conversation

Preventing falls begins with an open, honest chat.

Whether it’s with a healthcare provider, family member, or friend, talking about your experiences or concerns can:

• Identify risks early
• Build confidence
• Help you take action before a fall occurs

Step two: Know your risk factors

Some factors can increase your likelihood of falling, including:

• Being over 65
• Previous falls or near misses
• Reduced confidence or fear of falling
• Poor balance or strength
• Low activity levels
• Changes in vision or sensation
• Certain health conditions or medications

Many of these can be improved. With the right support, you can build strength, stability, and confidence.

Step three: Spot the early signs

Changes in balance don’t usually happen overnight - they build gradually.

Keep an eye out for:

• Feeling unsteady on your feet
• Unexplained bruising
• Holding onto furniture or walls to move around
• Feeling unwell or “not quite yourself”
• Episodes of confusion

These are early signals your body might need support.

Step four: Take action - keep moving

Staying active is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of falling.

Regular exercise - especially strength and balance training can:

• Improve stability and coordination
• Build confidence
• Reduce your risk of falling by up to 23%
• Lower the likelihood of serious injury

How Healthy Connections can help

At Healthy Connections, we encourage people to speak up about:

• Falls
• Near misses
• Or even just feeling unsteady

These conversations allow us to connect you with the right support - whether that’s joining a balance program or booking an assessment with our allied health team to create a personalised exercise plan.

Start the conversation today

If you notice any changes in yourself or someone you care about, take a moment to check in. A simple conversation could be the first step toward staying strong, confident, and steady on your feet.