Why Falls Prevention Matters: How “Balance for Life” is Helping Older Canberrans Stay on Their Feet
- Gillian Logan
- Oct 5
- 3 min read
Falls are the number one cause of injury-related hospitalisations in Australians over 65 — and the impacts can be life-altering. Yet, many people don’t realise how preventable falls can be with the right support, education, and support prescribed by Exercise Physiologists.
In Canberra, the Balance for Life program by CLEAR EP offers a research-based solution designed to help seniors move with more confidence, reduce fall risk, and stay independent longer.
Falls Are More Common (and Serious) Than You Think
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, older adults are significantly more vulnerable to falls:
In 2023–24, Australians aged 65+ were 12 times more likely to be hospitalised due to a fall than younger adults.
Males aged 85+ had the highest fall-related death rate, with 810.4 deaths per 100,000 people.
Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among people aged 85+.
Even more concerning is that most falls occur on flat surfaces, not from ladders or stairs. Everyday activities — walking through the living room or stepping onto a footpath — can become hazardous without the strength and reflexes to stay steady.
The Power of falls prevention
Research continues to show that falls are not inevitable with age — and the right type of exercise can make a huge difference.
“Programs including strength and balance training are the most effective way to prevent falls in older adults.” — Tiedemann et al., Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2024 (Read study)
The Balance for Life program directly reflects this scientific insight. It blends supervised strength and balance training with real-world strategies to help older Canberrans reduce fall risk.
How “Balance for Life” Works
Delivered over eight weeks, Balance for Life is not a generic fitness class. It’s a personalised, evidence-informed program run by qualified movement professionals at CLEAR EP in Canberra.
Participants receive:
A 1-on-1 movement consultation and fall risk assessment
A tailored exercise plan to match their ability level
16 small-group sessions with professional supervision
Exercises targeting strength, balance, coordination, and reflexes
Education on home safety and fall prevention strategies
This approach ensures that participants train at the right intensity and pace for their needs, while building strength and confidence in a supportive, small-group setting.
Who Is It For?
Balance for Life is ideal for:
Adults aged 55+
People who’ve had a fall, a near-miss, or feel their balance is declining
Concerned family members seeking a safe, effective option for loved ones
Caregivers and adult children (especially women aged 35–55) are often the first to notice when a parent is becoming unsteady. Programs like Balance for Life provide peace of mind for families and a real path to safer movement for older adults.
Lasting Strength Starts With a Step
The physical and emotional impacts of a fall can last long after the bruises fade — fear of falling can lead to reduced activity, isolation, and even faster decline.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
With the right support, older adults can move confidently, live independently, and enjoy life with fewer risks.
Join the CLEAR EP Balance for Life 8 week falls prevention program.
Register now at clearep.com.au to receive your free Balance for Life factsheet and consultation info. Located in Hawker, Belconnen | Spaces are limited
The CLEAR EP difference
At CLEAR EP, every participant receives the care and expertise of Accredited Exercise Physiologists — professionals trained to design safe, evidence-based exercise programs for all ages and abilities.
Their approach is personal, supportive, and grounded in science. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from an injury, or simply want to stay strong, CLEAR EP provides the right foundation for lifelong movement health.
