Balance is an important aspect of fitness and overall health. Falling is a consequence of poor balance.

One in three adults over the age of 65 will experience a fall, and older adults who fall once are more than twice as likely to fall again. An injury, such as a fracture or a sprain, will occur in 50% of these cases.

Almost all hip fractures are caused by a fall. Many of these people never return to an independent lifestyle. Even simple tasks like getting off the toilet can be very challenging with poor balance and can lead to a fear of falling, withdrawing from participation in regular activities, and an eventual loss of independence.

Decreased balance or strength and impaired mobility are two of the risk factors that can be improved with physiotherapy. Other risk factors include medication, impaired vision, chronic health conditions, cognitive impairment, unsafe environment, and poor footwear.

Falls are not a normal part of aging, however, physical changes that occur with aging can increase the older adult’s risk of losing their balance. The good news is that there are effective treatments available to prevent falls and aid an older adult’s return to optimal function after a fall.

Exercise programs focusing on balance and are performed for at least two hours per week are shown to have the most benefit.

Working with a physiotherapist will allow older adults to stay active and remain living independently in the community.