Falling, or feeling that you might fall, is not an inevitable part of getting older.
A blackout (or faint) is a sudden loss of consciousness caused by a shortage of blood and oxygen to the brain. This may only last for a second but it could be enough to cause a fall to the ground.
Dizziness can take many forms (e.g. light headedness, spinning, etc.) but it is never normal regardless of age.
Falls can be caused by almost any medication that acts on the brain or on your circulation because they can impair balance, cause dizziness and make you feel drowsy.
Over half of all falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety.
Keeping active is extremely important for our stamina, strength, flexibility and balance particularly as we age.
Good eyesight is important for mobility, balance and negotiating obstacles within the environment.
As we get older, problems with memory loss, confusion and problem solving can become more common.
Good nutrition is vital for physical and mental function, and losing weight unintentionally is not a normal part of the ageing process.
Keeping our bones as strong as possible is particularly important as we age, as they naturally become thinner over time.
It is important to take care of your feet because problems like long toenails, foot pain, loss of feeling and poor footwear can cause discomfort, change how you walk and make you less steady.
There are a number of bladder and bowel problems which can increase falls risk.
Anyone can have a fall. You are definitely not alone. Falling can be very frightening and may lead to a loss of confidence, not doing so many activities, anxiety and worry.
Please note that the advice contained on this website is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or other health professional
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