Elderly falls are the leading cause of injury in older people, and are responsible for an estimated 30 million injuries per year. These fall-related injuries are often serious, and can cause a wide range of complications.Risk assessment and preventionThere are several ways to help prevent elderly falls. These include getting up safely after a fall, staying active and taking steps to reduce the likelihood of falls.Staying active and taking exercise can help you keep your balance and improve your strength. It also helps to get regular medical checkups and to make sure you’re hydrated.Be aware of tripping hazards and other environmental factors that could put you at risk for a fall, such as dim lights, cords on the floor, or low chairs in a room. You can fix these problems to increase safety in your home or place of work.Get your eyes checked regularly to check for eye problems, such as dry eye or glaucoma. This can be done at a walk-in clinic or by a specialist.Take your medications on schedule and don’t overdose. Some medications can cause dizziness or dehydration, which can increase the risk of a fall.Medications for mental health, including sedatives and antidepressants, can also be associated with a higher risk of falling.Personal emergency response systems (PERS) can also alert a carer or emergency service to a fall. Most of these systems have a button that can be worn on a necklace or bracelet, and pressing it will call for help. medical alert