eFit for Individuals & Caregivers: Falls & Mobility

About 20% to 30% of older adults in Canada experience a fall each year. Most falls occur in the home, often in the bedroom, the bathroom and on the stairs. As people age, their risk of falling increases due to changes in their vision, hearing, posture (tendency to stoop over) and reaction time. Medical conditions such as arthritis, pain, cataracts, hip surgery, previous stroke or Parkinson’s disease can affect an individual’s walk; therefore, increasing their risk of tripping and falling. Medications side effects such as sedatives, strong pain medications and heart medications can all increase the risk of falls. Finally, a fear of falling may modify someone’s behaviour (reactions) and can actually increase their risk of falling.

Mobility is the ability of a person to move freely and easily. Older adults may experience mobility impairments that limit their participation in various aspects of their life, such as leisure, housework and moving about their community. Mobility can lead to more falls, a loss of independence or decline in health.



AVOID Frailty: How Activity Can Reduce Risk ( Canada Frailty Network ):
Webinar recording
Handout PDF
AVOID Frailty – Staying Active Update
( Canada Frailty Network ):
Video
Canadian 24-Hour Management Guidelines for Adults Ages 65 Years and Older
( Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology ):
Website
Canadian Frailty Network Packages:
Strengthening Handout PDF
Balance Handout PDF
Inactivity Practice Handout PDF
Falls are a significant health problem for older adults
( Winnipeg Regional Health Authority ):
Website 
How to Prevent Falls: A Complete Falls Prevention Guide for Seniors and Caregivers ( Closing the Gap Healthcare ):
Guide 
Seniors and Aging – Preventing Falls in and Around Your Home ( Health Canada ):
Article 
Seniors’ Falls in Canada ( Government of Canada ):
Infographic 
Seniors’ Falls in Canada 2nd Report ( Public Health Agency of Canada ):
Report 
Stay Active at Home – Strength and balance exercises for older adults ( Chartered Society of Physiotherapy ):
Video