Why falls matter
- Nearly one in three adults over 65 and half of those over 80 experience at least one fall each year.
- In Mid and South Essex, falls led to almost 10,500 emergency hospital admissions in 2024. Of these, 8,797 were people over 65 and 7,390 were over 75.
- While many falls do not cause serious injury, a significant number result in fractures, hospital stays or even death, especially among frail individuals.
- Beyond the physical impact, falls can dent confidence and independence.
Fall Proof: your online guide
Our Fall Proof guide brings together simple, practical steps to help you stay steady and reduce your risk of falling. It includes:
- Guidance on safe footwear
- A home safety checklist for spotting common trip hazards
- Advice on hydration and blood pressure
- The importance of eyesight checks
- Exercises to improve balance and strength
Strength and balance exercises at home
Gentle, everyday movements can make a big difference. Building strength and balance helps you to:
- Reduce your risk of falls
- Stay independent with everyday activities
- Improve confidence and mobility
Visit Active Essex’s Able Like Mabel campaign for easy-to-follow routines you can do safely at home.