Falls

High prevalence: Between 2020-2023 North Tyneside consistently ranked as having the highest rate of emergency admissions to hospital due to falls in people aged over 65 across England.

Projected to rise: Based on population growth projections, it can be confidently predicted that the prevalence of falls in adults aged over 65 will increase.

Diagnosing the problem too late: For too many older people, falls prevention advice and support is only commenced once they have been admitted to hospital with a fall.

Inequalities exist: Both locally and nationally, women and those living in the most deprived deciles are at greater risk of falling compared to men and those in the least deprived deciles.

Pressure on services: With falls related healthcare needs expected to increase in future, there are concerns as to the ability of already stretched health and social care services to cope with increased demands.

Older people aren’t active enough: Far too many older people are at risk of falls owing to physical inactivity. Increasing activity levels amongst older people is essential if we want to reduce the prevalence of falls.