Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in older adults across the UK, yet many falls are preventable with the right support and intervention. As we age, changes in strength, balance, mobility, vision, and general health can all increase the risk of falling. While a fall may sometimes seem like a minor incident, the older we get the greater the consequences can become.
In the UK, around one in three adults over the age of 65 experiences at least one fall each year. For people over 80, this increases to one in two. During 2023/24 alone, approximately 220,000 older adults in England were admitted to hospital following a fall, making falls the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation in older people.
The physical consequences of a fall can be severe. Hip fractures are particularly common, with over 70,000 occurring every year in the UK as a result of falls. Unfortunately, recovery from a hip fracture can be extremely challenging. Research shows that between 18–33% of people die within one year following a hip fracture, while many others experience long-term mobility problems, disability, or a permanent loss of independence.
However, the impact of falls is not only physical. Many older adults develop a fear of falling after an incident, which can lead them to become less active. Reduced activity often causes further muscle weakness, poorer balance, and increasing frailty, creating a cycle that can significantly affect quality of life and confidence.
Environmental factors also play a major role. Across England, more than 500,000 homes are estimated to pose a significant falls risk for older adults. Hazards such as poor lighting, loose rugs, cluttered walkways, and lack of handrails can all increase the likelihood of a fall occurring. Families and carers can play an important role in helping to identify and reduce these risks within the home environment.
The encouraging news is that research consistently shows falls prevention strategies can make a real difference. Exercise and physiotherapy are among the most effective interventions available. Strength and balance training programmes have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of falls in older adults. Structured programmes such as FaME (Falls Management Exercise) have particularly strong evidence supporting their effectiveness in people over the age of 65.
Current research and national guidelines, including the updated NICE recommendations, highlight that the best approach is usually multifactorial. This means combining several interventions together, such as physiotherapy and exercise, medication reviews, vision assessments, and practical home modifications. By addressing multiple risk factors at the same time, outcomes are often significantly improved.
Importantly, studies suggest that around 20–30% of falls are preventable with appropriate assessment and intervention. Early support can help older adults remain active, mobile, and independent for longer, while also reducing the likelihood of serious injury and hospital admission.
Physiotherapy can play a vital role in this process. Through tailored assessment and treatment, physiotherapists can help improve strength, balance, walking ability, confidence, and overall mobility. Small improvements in movement and stability can often have a significant impact on day-to-day function and quality of life.
Falls should never simply be accepted as an inevitable part of ageing. With the right support, many older adults can continue to move safely, maintain independence, and remain active for longer.
We have created a free downloadable checklist for you below to make sure your loved one is protected and feel we have done everything we can to reduce the risk of falls on and optimise their safety
References and further reading