Notably, adults over age 60 account for the highest number of fatal falls, underscoring the urgent need for prevention and awareness among this vulnerable group.

Consultant geriatrician Dr Edward Chong Kah Chun said physical decline is a major cause of falls, as ageing leads to muscle weakness, sensory loss, and certain diseases such as dementia, gout, arthritis and diabetes.

“These intrinsic factors increase the likelihood of falls, while extrinsic factors such as environmental hazards also play a crucial role. This is in addition to common dangers in homes and public spaces such as slippery floors, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces that can significantly contribute to the risk of falling,” he said.

Chong added that certain medications could also contribute to falls by causing dizziness. “For example, anti-hypertensive drugs used to control blood pressure make falls more likely, while vision and hearing problems further add to mobility challenges.”

Falls, he highlighted, could cause fractures or head trauma, which often require urgent medical attention. “Beyond physical harm, they lead to emotional and psychological effects such as the fear of falling, which could make seniors less active, weakening their muscles and increasing their risk of future falls.”

According to Chong, injuries are common and tend to be more severe as people age. Over half of all falls result in at least one minor injury, such as a bruise, sprained ligament or strained muscle. More serious injuries include broken bones, torn ligaments, deep cuts, and damage to organs such as the kidney or liver.

If a senior person who has fallen is left unattended, it could lead to delayed complications such as dehydration, pressure sores, internal bleeding or infections, which could in turn develop into serious health problems if not promptly addressed.

In severe cases, falls could increase the risk of mortality, emphasising the importance of immediate medical intervention.

Mitigating risks

To reduce the risk of falling, Chong suggests several preventive measures, including reviewing medication to minimise side effects such as dizziness or imbalance; and creating a safer home environment with simple adjustments, such as removing loose rugs, improving lighting, and installing grab bars in key areas like bathrooms.

He also advocates wearing proper footwear such as covered shoes with non-slip soles that provide far better stability than slippers or slip-ons.

Chong further recommends that older adults engage in regular strength and balance exercises, such as tai chi, qigong, yoga, and sit-to-stand exercises, which can help improve physical stability and allow the senior person to regain confidence.

“If the medical conditions allow, older adults are advised to follow a diet with more protein and fibre intake to help with their muscle strength and health, contributing to better balance and strength,” he added.

This is particularly important because everyone loses muscle with age at a rate of approximately 3-5% for each decade after age 30, and inactive people lose the most, he noted.

Ultimately, Chong said, awareness of the risks of falls among seniors is essential, and families and communities must proactively protect this group and promote health initiatives in geriatric care.

“Ensuring the safety of our seniors is not just a medical responsibility but a societal one,” he concluded.