Quick answer. Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalisation among older Singaporeans, with about one in three people aged 60 and above having fallen more than once, and around three-quarters of falls happening at home. Most falls are preventable. The key steps are: build leg strength and balance with regular exercise; have a yearly review of medications and eyesight; and make the home safer with grab bars, better lighting and non-slip flooring. The HDB EASE scheme subsidises home modifications for eligible seniors. After any fall, see a doctor to check for an underlying cause, and seek a specialist falls assessment if falls keep happening. This guide is general information, not medical advice.
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A fall can change an older person’s life in seconds, turning an active, independent senior into someone afraid to leave the house. In Singapore, falls are one of the most common reasons older adults end up in hospital, and a hip fracture from a fall can lead to lasting loss of mobility and independence. The encouraging news is that falls are not an inevitable part of ageing. Most are caused by a combination of factors we can actually do something about, from leg weakness and unsafe footwear to slippery bathroom floors and certain medications. This guide explains why falls matter, who is most at risk, how to make a home safer, the exercises that protect against falls, and what to do if a fall does happen.
At a glance
| Risk factor | Why it raises fall risk | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Leg weakness and poor balance | Muscles and balance decline with age (sarcopenia) | Strength and balance exercise 2-3 times a week |
| Multiple medications | Some drugs cause dizziness or drowsiness | Annual medication review with a doctor or pharmacist |
| Poor vision | Hard to see hazards, edges and steps | Yearly eye check; update glasses; good lighting |
| Home hazards | Loose rugs, clutter, wet floors, dim lighting | Grab bars, non-slip mats, declutter; HDB EASE works |
| Unsuitable footwear | Slippery soles or loose slippers cause slips | Well-fitting, non-slip covered shoes |
| Dizziness on standing | Blood pressure drops when getting up | Stand up slowly; tell your doctor |
Why falls matter for older Singaporeans
About one in three people aged 60 and above in Singapore have fallen more than once, and falls account for the large majority of injuries in older adults. Around three-quarters of these falls happen at home, where people feel safest. The consequences can be serious: a fall may cause a hip fracture, a head injury, or a long hospital stay, and the number of seniors hospitalised for hip fractures is projected to rise steeply as the population ages.
Beyond the physical injury, many older people develop a fear of falling after one incident. This can lead them to move less, which weakens muscles further and paradoxically raises the risk of another fall. Breaking this cycle by staying active and addressing risk factors is central to staying independent.
What raises the risk of falling
Falls usually result from several factors acting together rather than a single cause. Personal (intrinsic) factors include declining muscle strength and balance, slow or unsteady walking, giddiness, poor eyesight, and conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease or cataracts. Medications matter too: sedatives, sleeping pills and some blood-pressure drugs can cause unsteadiness, and taking many medicines at once (polypharmacy) increases the chance of side effects. Cognitive impairment and poor nutrition also play a role.
Environmental (extrinsic) factors include loose rugs and mats, trailing cords, clutter, poor lighting, wet or slippery floors (especially in bathrooms), poorly designed stairs, and unsuitable footwear or eyewear. Because the causes are multiple, the most effective prevention also tackles several factors at once.
Making the home safer
Since most falls happen at home, simple changes make a real difference. Remove or secure loose rugs, keep walking paths clear of clutter and cords, and repair uneven or loose steps. In the bathroom, install grab bars near the toilet and shower, use non-slip mats or non-skid treatment on floor tiles, and consider a shower stool. Ensure entrances, stairways and rooms are well lit, keep a reachable bedside lamp for night-time trips to the toilet, and store frequently used items within easy reach to avoid stretching or climbing.
Eligible seniors can tap the HDB EASE (Enhancement for Active Seniors) scheme, which subsidises fittings such as grab bars, slip-resistant floor treatment and ramps. The government typically covers the large majority of the cost, with the homeowner paying a modest share that varies by flat type. EASE is generally open to Singapore-citizen households with a member aged 65 and above, or aged 60-64 who needs help with at least one daily activity. Confirm current coverage, eligibility and costs on the HDB website or through AIC before applying.
Exercise to prevent falls
Exercise is the single most effective way to reduce falls, because it directly rebuilds the strength and balance that decline with age. National guidance encourages older adults to aim for around 150-300 minutes of moderate activity each week, plus strength, balance and flexibility exercises on at least two to three days a week. Activities such as Tai Chi, structured strength-and-balance programmes (similar to Otago-type exercises), heel raises, sit-to-stand repetitions and one-leg stands are particularly helpful.
The Health Promotion Board runs senior exercise classes in community spaces across Singapore, including strength-and-balance and dual-task (movement plus thinking) sessions. Joining a group programme also adds social contact and helps people keep up the habit. Anyone with heart, joint or balance conditions should check with a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new exercise routine.
What to do after a fall
If someone falls, stay calm and do not rush to move them, especially after a hard fall. If they are not seriously hurt, let them rest a moment, then help them get up slowly using a sturdy chair for support rather than lifting their full weight. Call an ambulance on 995 (or SMS 70995 if unable to speak) if there is heavy bleeding, a suspected fracture, severe pain, a head injury or loss of consciousness.
Even a fall without obvious injury should prompt a visit to a doctor, because it may signal an underlying problem such as low blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, low blood sugar or a medication side effect. Seniors on several medicines should have a medication review at least once a year. If falls happen repeatedly or walking becomes difficult, ask for a referral to a hospital falls and balance clinic for a thorough multifactorial assessment and a personalised prevention plan.
Falls screening and assessment in Singapore
Singapore offers community and hospital pathways to identify and reduce fall risk. The Health Promotion Board’s enhanced community screening can include a falls-risk assessment alongside vision screening, a pharmacist medication review for those on multiple drugs, home-safety checks and referral to strength-and-balance exercise. These are good first steps for seniors who feel unsteady.
For those with frequent falls or walking difficulty, hospital falls and balance clinics within geriatric medicine departments (such as at Tan Tock Seng Hospital) assess ambulant seniors aged 65 and above. The team reviews medical, medication and fall history, runs tests such as the Timed Up-and-Go, identifies the causes, and builds a tailored care plan. Ask your polyclinic doctor or GP for a referral if recurrent falls are a concern.
Related guides
- Best Geriatric Medicine Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- Frailty & healthy ageing
- Geriatric assessment
- Caring for elderly parents
Sources
- HealthHub (MOH/HPB) – Preventing Falls
- MOH Newsroom – Seniors and Falls
- HPB – Enhanced Screening incl. Falls Prevention
- HDB – Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE)
- TTSH – Falls & Balance Clinic (Geriatric Medicine)
Related conditions & guides
Related conditions and guides you may find useful:
- Delirium (Sudden Confusion) in the Elderly in Singapore
- Dementia and Memory Loss in Singapore
- Malnutrition and Poor Appetite in the Elderly in Singapore
- Polypharmacy and Medication Review for Seniors in Singapore
- Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly in Singapore
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