The answer to preventing falls may be as simple as exercise
At almost 80 years old, grandmother Sandra Franklin still wants to pick up her grandkids. She knows exercise is key to keeping her moving.
Falls are a significant cause of hospitalisation and injury for older Australians. As the population ages, this issue is expected to worsen. Experts recommend community intervention, such as exercise programs, to help prevent falls among older people. Sandra Franklin, a 79-year-old grandmother, recognises the importance of staying active and strong to maintain her independence.
She participates in a free weekly exercise class aimed at falls prevention, run by a coach who focuses on improving balance, coordination, and strength. The class is funded by the Brisbane South Primary Health Network and offers a social environment that many participants find valuable. Professor Ruth Hubbard from the University of Queensland emphasises that exercise, especially high-resistance and balance training, is the most effective way to prevent falls, particularly for older people.
Falls-related injuries cost the healthcare system about $5.4 billion annually and are the leading cause of hospitalisation for people aged 75 and over. Dr Nash from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare stresses the importance of community interventions in reducing the strain on emergency departments, as falls are a common reason for older individuals to seek medical care.
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