Preventing deadly falls in Australia's ageing population

0:00As Australians age, the risk of a fall increases and it can have a devastating impact on health and independence. One in three people age over 35 suffer a fall. And experts say many of them are accidents that can be prevented starting inside the home. A fall can happen in seconds. The consequences can last years. Each day in Australia, 400 older adults are admitted to hospital because of a fall. The damage goes far beyond broken bones. Fals can result in a downward spiral. People lose their confidence, they become less active. Many don't recover. 17 die each day from a fall. Adalina's husband Ronald slipped in the spy area at the gym age just 63. He was in and out the hospital for four years before he passed away. At home, the bathroom is where most falls occur.

1:01Wet floors, confined spaces and slippery surfaces increase the risk. Fals there are twice as likely to result in serious injury. The most dangerous area at home is the bathroom. But simple changes can make a difference. Grab rails, raised toilet seats, non-slip mats, shower chairs and walking aids fitted properly for the person using them. We can drastically reduce this risk. But experts say safer bathrooms alone won't solve the problem. With Australia's aging population, they're calling on the government to fund a national strategy to include better access to prevention programs. Important to learn strategies to move about safely and carefully. To prevent the first fall from occurring, Jennifer Beshwati, 7 News.