A history of falls - a vicious circle?

Older people who have experienced a fall are two and a half to three times more likely to fall in the next year than one who had no falls.

If someone has had an injury after a fall, they may need to limit their activities until full recovery. But even when uninjured, people often voluntarily restrict their activities after a fall because they fear another fall or injury. The reduced movement and activity leads to a loss of muscle strength, joint mobility and so-called righting reflexes, which maintain our balance. This in turn, increases the risk of further falls. Sadly it happens very often that a person is then unable to continue their previously independent life.