For many older Australians, a fall can have a real impact on day‑to‑day life, affecting confidence, comfort, or independence. While falls are often seen as a normal part of ageing, the evidence shows they are common, serious, and in many cases preventable.
The evidence is clear: falls are a major health issue
Across Australia, falls are the leading cause of injury, responsible for around 43% of all injury-related hospitalisations. Each year, more than 248,000 people are hospitalised after a fall. Falls are also the leading cause of injury-related deaths, with 6,698 lives lost in 2022–23 alone.
The risk rises with age: around 1 in 3 people aged 65 and over experience a fall each year, and people aged 85 and over have the highest rates of hospitalisation and death from falls.
Why prevention matters
A fall doesn’t just cause injuries. It can limit independence, reduce mobility, and lead to a fear of falling that makes people less active, increasing risk even further. That’s why prevention is so important. The good news is many falls can be prevented by improving strength and balance, learning practical safety strategies, and building confidence to stay active.
How Stepping On helps
Evidence-based fall prevention programs like Stepping On are designed to reduce risk in a practical, supportive way. Stepping On helps participants build strength and balance through targeted exercises, learn proven strategies for preventing falls at home and in the community, and regain confidence to keep doing the things they enjoy.
The program not only helps to prevent falls. Considering that 20-30% of the population aged 65 and over experience loneliness, the program’s group format creates connection and motivation, because staying steady is easier when you’re not doing it alone.
Fall prevention programs like Stepping On help with:
- Improved physical health: exercises to boost strength and balance.
- Greater confidence and independence: practical tools to overcome the fear of falling.
- Expert guidance from exercise and health professionals.
- Community support: a group setting that promotes peer support and motivation.
Take the next step. If you’re aged 65 and over or have a loved one who is, joining a fall prevention program or contact Catholic Healthcare's Allied Health team for staying safe, independent, and well at home on 1800 225 474.
Supporting April Falls Prevention Month
At Catholic Healthcare, we support older Australians to live well, safely and with confidence at every stage of life. Each year, April Falls Prevention Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about falls and encourage simple conversations and actions that help people stay steady, independent and connected.
Statistics source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).