Seniors' falls prevention

Preventing a fall is an important part of healthy aging. Falls are a leading cause of injury across British Columbia (BC). One in three adults over 65 falls each year.

To reduce your risk of a fall:

  • Talk to your doctor/ primary care provider about falls.
  • Talk to your pharmacist or doctor/ primary care provider about medications that may increase your risk of a fall.
  • Complete a home safety checklist to learn how to make your home safer.
  • Engage in activities that improve your strength and balance. Aim to accumulate 150 minutes or more per week.
  • Talk to your doctor/ primary care provider about steps you can take to maintain good health such as visiting your optometrist and managing any chronic conditions.

If you need any further information please contact prevent.injury@northernhealth.ca

Northern Health falls prevention

Reports

In 2023 a Northern Health Public Health team conducted a falls prevention project. This project included a series of focus groups and a telephone survey.

The focus group participants were asked to share:

  • What people are currently doing to prevent a fall.
  • What resources are available to help prevent falls.
  • How falls prevention being is supported in community.
  • If the COVID-19 pandemic impacted falls prevention efforts.

The telephone survey asked 301 northerners about the activities they do to prevent a fall along with how the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted falls prevention for them.

To learn more about the results of the project, read the following reports:

  • TBA
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More information

There are many simple ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce your risk of a fall.