Falls Prevention for Over 65s in Ireland: The 2026 Guide

A major 2026 study from TILDA (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing) at Trinity College Dublin found that one in eight people over 65 in Ireland requires medical attention for a fall each year. Falls are now one of the leading causes of hospital admission for older adults — but many are preventable.

Why falls happen more often as we age

• ✓Medications that cause dizziness or low blood pressure — especially blood pressure tablets, sleeping pills, and painkillers
• ✓Reduced muscle strength and balance from being less active
• ✓Poor eyesight that hasn't been checked recently
• ✓Hazards at home — loose rugs, poor lighting, trailing cables
• ✓Conditions like arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or diabetes that affect mobility

How your medications can increase fall risk

Many common medications prescribed to older adults can increase the risk of falls. Blood pressure tablets can cause dizziness when standing up (postural hypotension). Sleeping tablets and anti-anxiety medications affect balance and reaction time. Even some antihistamines can make you drowsy. If you're taking four or more medications, ask your GP for a medication review — research from the SPPiRE study in Irish primary care shows this can significantly reduce unnecessary prescriptions.

Home safety checklist

• ✓Remove loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing
• ✓Install grab rails beside the toilet, bath, and at the front door
• ✓Keep hallways and stairs well lit — consider motion-sensor night lights
• ✓Clear trailing cables and clutter from walkways
• ✓Wear well-fitting, non-slip footwear indoors — not just socks
• ✓Keep frequently used items within easy reach — don't use step stools

Simple exercises to improve balance

The HSE recommends gentle balance exercises that can be done at home. Standing on one leg while holding a chair, heel-to-toe walking, and sit-to-stand exercises all help build the muscle strength that prevents falls. Even 10 minutes a day makes a real difference. Ask your GP about local falls prevention programmes — many are free through the HSE.

How HealthLog helps with falls prevention

HealthLog keeps a clear list of all your medications in one place. When you visit your GP or pharmacist, you can show them your full medication list instantly — making it easier to identify tablets that might be increasing your fall risk. You can also store your eye test results and hospital letters in your health vault, so everything is at hand when you need it.