Problem

Many injuries affecting the older population are the result of falls, but falls themselves don’t just happen as people get older. More often than not, they usually occur due to one or several risk factors such as a pre-existing medical condition, safety hazards at home or in the community, and psychological factors such as depression or fear of falling. Studies show that one in three elderlies aged 65 and above fall at least once a year globally. 

Opportunity

Although the frequency of falls are prevalent, there exists a wide gap between awareness and participation of falls education programmes. IPUR found that one key stakeholder capable of bridging this gap are caregivers. Whether they be children, siblings, friends or domestic helpers, caregivers have the ability and responsibility to encourage those under their charge to attend and actively participate in falls education programmes.

Intervention

One strategy to increase uptake of fall prevention programmes is to use positive messaging. IPUR found that Asian countries in particular, were guilty of too often medicalising bone health narratives, leading to pessimistic views about the issue which deter participation in educational programmes on falls.

Instead of looking at what can be done to ease the burden of falls, measures should be identified at the preventive stage to support older adults. Campaigns on the issue should be framed around preventive and positive narratives to counter resistance towards bone health and fall perception. A one-size-fit-all approach would also not be possible. Instead, it is important to customise messages in campaigns to target different risk profiles and subsequently cater towards the different groups.