Overview
Falls
Anyone can have a fall, but it's more likely if you're older or have mobility problems.
As you get older, it becomes more difficult to keep your balance when you do everyday activities. This includes:
- walking
- bending down
- getting in and out of chairs, beds and baths
The natural ageing process makes you react more slowly to changes in body position. This means that you are slower to correct your balance.
Your balance might be affected by:
- low blood pressure when you stand up (postural hypotension)
- some medicines
- muscles and joints that are not strong and flexible
- poor posture
- poor eyesight
- a recent change of glasses
- wearing bifocal or varifocal lenses
- inner ear infections
- alcohol
- your brain not being able to process information to keep you balanced
- conditions or injuries that affect the nervous system, such as a stroke or Parkinson’s disease
When to ask for help
Contact a GP if:
- you have fallen over recently
- you’re worried about your balance or mobility
- you feel weak or dizzy
The first place you should ask for help is a GP. They can:
- check if any medicines are affecting your balance
- investigate any symptoms, such as joint pain
- give you advice about preventing falls
What else you can do
This guide explains what you can do to reduce your risk of falling. You can also share it with friends and family who might be able to help you.
Resource number: 5320/VER2
Last reviewed: July 2026
Next review due: July 2029
