The hidden summer danger putting older Australians in hospital

HEALTH authorities are urging older Northern Rivers residents to take extra precautions to avoid falls over the holiday season, following Lismore’s participation in the national launch of Falls Prevention Alliance Australia last month.

An Australian over 65 is hospitalised due to a fall every three minutes, with summer hazards such as ladder use, uneven outdoor surfaces and cliff or dune edges increasing the risk during warmer months.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for older Australians, far exceeding admissions for conditions such as heart disease and stroke, and costing taxpayers an estimated $3 billion each year.

One in three older Australians experiences a fall annually, according to the AIHW National Mortality Database, with Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showing almost 150,000 hospitalisations of people over 65 in 2023 due to falls. Around 6000 people die each year as a result.

Former Socceroo and health advocate, Craig Foster reminds people of ladder safety and the importance of exercise in a new national campaign for fall prevention. Photo: SUPPLIED

The Falls Prevention Alliance was formed in 2025 following a national roundtable of health professionals, community representatives and policy makers focused on coordinated, evidence-based prevention strategies.

Falls prevention coordinator with Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion Unit, Lisa Delaney, said national guidelines recommended all people over 65, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50, take part in balance and strength exercises to reduce their risk.

“Anyone can experience a fall, but they’re a common cause of injury and loss of independence in older age and are the most common reason for unplanned admission into an aged care facility,” Delaney said.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is essential for health, wellbeing and injury prevention. Photo: SUPPLIED

“Balance can start to decline from 35, so it’s never too early to start balance and strength exercises. Don’t wait for a fall to happen before you take action.

“A fall can be terrible for an older person, with a domino effect on family and the community.

“We can look out for our loved ones by encouraging them to do balance and strength exercises, to wear sturdy, well-fitted shoes and identify home hazards, and as we like to say, fall prevention is everyone’s business.”

NSW Health provides information on preventing falls, including an online home safety checklist and a postcode-based search for local exercise classes.

For more information, visit fallspreventionalliance.org.au, and for healthy ageing resources, visit activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au