Southern NSW Local Health District promotes conversations about healthy ageing
This April Falls Month, Southern NSW Local Health District is encouraging people to talk more about falls and simple interventions to improve balance and strength to reduce the risk of a fall.
In NSW 30 per cent of people aged over 65 fall each year, and 37 per cent of injury related deaths are caused by falls.
Beginning 1 April, April Falls Month is themed Let’s Talk About Falls - Staying Safe Starts with a Chat and aims to break the stigma around talking about falls by encouraging conversations to help older people access appropriate care and early interventions.
Across Southern, we will be encouraging families, carers and health professionals to start simple, proactive conversations when they notice signs that someone may be at risk of falling.
Southern NSW Local Health District’s Manager Falls Prevention and Safe Care Initiatives, Joanna Lyons, said this year’s campaign will focus on strengthening awareness, education and local engagement.
“This April Falls Month, Southern will raise awareness of falls prevention through targeted education, promotion of evidence-based falls prevention resources, celebration of successes in reducing falls, and strengthened use of data and quality boards to support safer care,” Ms Lyons said.
Some early signs to look out for include:
- Unsteadiness when walking
- Holding onto furniture while walking around the home
- Signs of feeling unwell or unexplained bruising
- Confusion or changes in alertness.
When these signs are noticed, a simple conversation can make all the difference. Small, practical changes such as strength and balance exercises, medication reviews, vision checks or home safety adjustments can significantly reduce fall risk and help older people remain safe, independent and confident.
Ms Lyons said falls can have a significant impact on a person’s confidence, independence and overall health, but the good news is there are simple steps people can take to reduce their risk.
“This April Falls Month, we’re encouraging everyone in our community to start a conversation about falls, whether that’s with a family member, a friend or a health professional.
“Something as simple as improving strength and balance, checking medications or making small changes at home can make a big difference in staying safe and independent.
“If you do nothing else, just start the conversation. Falls prevention really is everyone’s business.”
The Clinical Excellence Commission has collaborated with the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network to produce a range of April Falls resources for patients, families, carers and health staff.
Clinical Excellence Commission Senior Improvement Lead, Briony Chasle, said falls prevention starts with awareness and action.
“Falls can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, independence and confidence,” Ms Chasle said.
“But falls are not inevitable. When we notice early signs of risk and start a supportive conversation, we create an opportunity for early intervention and practical strategies that help people stay safe and steady on their feet.
“Many older people worry that admitting to a fall means losing their independence. In reality, talking about falls is one of the most important steps we can take to protect independence. A simple chat can lead to small changes that make a big difference.”
Poor balance and strength are factors that affect a person’s mobility and increase their risk of a fall. By improving balance and strength, people can reduce their risk of falling and fall-related injuries by 23 per cent.
To find local physical activity and healthy lifestyle programs, including fall prevention programs, visit the Active and Healthy exercise directory.
Information and advice to support older adults to be more active is also available on the Active and Healthy website. This includes home-based exercise circuits designed for beginners to follow along at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.
For out more about April Falls Month visit NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network: https://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au/aprilfalls2026/