Fear of falling

Many older people are afraid of falling, especially if they have already had a fall.

Living with the fear can have serious consequences: you may begin to feel less confident and may stop going outside or going only if necessary. As you become more inactive and less mobile, your muscles and balance become weaker and as a result your risk of falls may increase.

Research has shown that often it is not the fall itself with its consequences that restricts older people to their home, but the fear of falling. They have less social contact, become isolated and maybe, sometime, even depressed. This may result in taking more medication which may increase the risk of falls.

Often older people are ashamed of their fear and don't want to admit it. But they are not alone: 1 in 3 older people living at home are afraid of falling.

If you want to continue living an independent life you have to overcome the fear of falling.

It is important that you find for yourself with the help of your family and your doctor or a clinical psychologist, a balanced way to stay mobile, while being sensible when carrying out everyday activities. Don't overdo it by trying to climb Ben Nevis but stay active.