Why falls are so dangerous in older age
Every year, roughly one in three people over 65 in Germany falls at least once. The consequences range from bruises to broken hips — and not infrequently a single fall triggers a downward spiral of hospital stay, rehab and long-term care dependency.
The good news: many falls are preventable. Studies show that targeted measures can reduce the risk of falling by up to 40%.
1. Remove trip hazards at home
The most common causes of falls are right at home. Loose rug edges, cables across the floor, poorly lit hallways and slippery bathtubs are the usual suspects.
- Secure rugs with non-slip backing — or remove them entirely
- Run cables along the wall, not across walking paths
- Anti-slip mats in shower and bath
- Night-lights in the hallway and on the way to the bathroom
2. Check your eyesight regularly
If you cannot see clearly, you miss steps, thresholds and obstacles. An annual eye check and an up-to-date pair of glasses are the simplest fall prevention there is.
3. Choose the right shoes
Loose slippers without proper support are responsible for many falls inside the home. Closed shoes with a firm sole and a slip-resistant tread — including indoors — significantly reduce the risk.
4. Train your mobility
Use it or lose it. People who stay regularly active keep their strength, balance and reaction speed longer.
- A daily walk of at least 20 minutes
- Fall-prevention courses run by health insurers or adult education centres
- Simple exercises such as one-leg stands at the kitchen counter
5. Have your medication reviewed
Many medications — especially sleeping pills and sedatives, but also blood-pressure drugs — can cause dizziness. An annual medication review with your GP uncovers risky combinations before they cause a fall.
6. Install grab bars at critical points
In the bathroom next to the toilet and shower, at the top of the stairs, beside the bed — grab bars are inexpensive and can prevent a fall in the decisive moment.
7. Prepare for the emergency
Despite all precautions, a fall can always happen. What matters then is that help arrives quickly. Anyone who lies on the floor alone for hours after a fall risks far more than the original injury.
Mobile emergency systems such as NOA connect at the push of a button to trusted contacts — even when the phone is out of reach, and outside the home, thanks to GPS location.
Conclusion
Fall prevention is not a single step but a combination of home environment, health, movement and emergency preparedness. Anyone who takes all seven building blocks seriously gains not only safety — but above all the freedom to keep living independently.
Important: NOA is not a medical device and does not replace medical advice. For specific health questions please contact your doctor.