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As part of the current Injury Matters Stay On Your Feet ® Remove Hazards campaign, older Western Australians are encouraged to take simple steps to prevent falls and support healthy ageing. These steps include making the home safer, having regular eye checks, wearing safe footwear, and looking after foot health.
Rachel Meade, Injury Matters General Manager of Injury Prevention, says “1 in 3 people over the age of 65 have a fall each year, with some resulting in serious injury and hospitalisation, but falls are preventable – they don’t just happen.”
Our home should be a safe place for us to live in, but over half of all falls-related hospitalisations in Western Australia happen in the home.
“There are many hazards that can cause slips and trips around the home, so it is important to check our home regularly and remove any hazards to prevent falls.” Ms Meade said.
The most common areas of the home where falls happen are outdoor areas, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Ms Meade notes that we can make our home safer with simple changes, such as removing rugs, ensuring there is good lighting, moving furniture to create clear walkways, and keeping everyday objects in easy-to-reach places. If you are concerned about safety in and around your home, speak to a GP about a home assessment or a care provider for advice on assistive equipment.
When trip hazards combine with other factors, such as poor vision and unsafe footwear, the risk of having a fall increases.
Good vision helps you avoid hazards, such as uneven footpaths, step edges, spills, or objects on the floor, and maintain balance during daily activities. Over time, changes in our eyesight and common, age-related eye conditions can increase the risk of falls. Changes to look out for include clouding, sensitivity to light, dry or watery eyes, blurred vision, changes in depth perception, or floating spots in your vision.
Ms Meade says, “Have your eyes checked by an optometrist every year, or if your vision changes. An eye test can detect the early signs of eye conditions before the symptoms occur, many of which can be treated.”
It is normal for our feet to change throughout life. These changes can happen due to ageing and everyday wear and tear from walking. While some changes are normal, foot problems should not be ignored, as they can affect mobility, balance, and increase the risk of falls.
Between 20% and 45% of older adults experience foot problems. Common problems include bunions, blisters, ulcers, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. These can cause pain and discomfort, making everyday activities such as walking, shopping, or doing housework more challenging.
The shoes you wear can affect your posture, stability, balance, and the way you walk, and can also cause foot health problems. Wearing safe, well-fitting footwear can help reduce your risk of falls and help you move around safely. Safe footwear should have a low heel height, good midsole cushioning, a textured or slip-resistant sole, and a firm heel collar.
Ms Meade encourages readers to, “Take care of your feet to help you stay active and mobile, including checking your feet regularly and wearing well-fitting, safe footwear. If you notice any changes to your feet or have concerns about your foot health or footwear, speak with a podiatrist.”
Injury Matters’ Stay On Your Feet ® program has a range of simple tips and tools to prevent falls.
Older adults can call 1300 30 35 40 for a free Remove Hazards information pack or visit www.stayonyourfeet.com.au for tips, support, and resources.
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