Health NZ - Web Capture - Fall Prevention
Health NZ
Sector evidence
Sector body
June 2026
Next review not yet scheduled
New Zealand
Medium confidence
published
SNZ editorial review
Evidence boundary: This record summarises the cited source. It does not establish local availability, individual eligibility, or professional advice.
Short Answer
- Falls are the most common cause of injury for people aged 65 and over.
Key Points
- •Taking 4 or more medications (polypharmacy) is a major risk factor — the more medications, the higher the fall risk.
- •Having fallen before is the strongest predictor of falling again.
- •Chronic conditions: Arthritis, Parkinson's disease, dementia, stroke, diabetes (peripheral neuropathy), heart disease, osteoporosis
- •Postural hypotension: Drop in blood pressure when standing up — causes dizziness, light-headedness, fainting
- •Urinary incontinence: Rushing to the toilet, especially at night, increases fall risk
- •Dizziness and vertigo: Inner ear problems (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo — BPPV)
Full Summary & Notes
- Falls are the most common cause of injury for people aged 65 and over. - One in three people over 65 falls each year; this rises to one in two for those over 80. - Falls can lead to fractures (especially hip, wrist, and spine), head injuries, and loss of independence. - After a fall, many older people develop a fear of falling, which leads to reduced activity, muscle weakness, and an even higher risk of falling again (a vicious cycle). - Falls prevention is cost-effective and keeps people living independently for longer. Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls. The following types of exercise are particularly beneficial: - Sit-to-stand: From a chair — stand up without using your hands, then sit down slowly. Repeat 10 times. - Squats (supported): Hold the back of a chair, bend knees (as if sitting on a chair), keeping knees behind toes. - Heel raises: Stand behind a chair, rise up on tiptoes, hold for 5 seconds, lower slowly. - Step-ups: Step up onto a low stool or bottom step (hold rail or support), alternate legs. - Wall push-ups: Stand arms-length from a wall, lean forward and push back. - Single leg stand: Hold a sturdy chair, stand on one foot for 10–30 seconds. Repeat on other side. - Tandem stand: Stand with one foot directly in front of the other (heel to toe). Hold for 30 seconds. - Tandem walk: Walk in a straight line, placing one foot directly in front of the other (like on a tightrope
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