Middle-aged women at higher risk of falls

FALLS aren’t just a problem for the elderly — the risk increases from midlife, according to a study published in the journal PLOS One.

Women are at particular risk, with those aged 40 to 44 being 9 per cent more likely to have a fall compared with younger women, and that risk rises to 21 per cent by the age of 50.

Men’s risk rises by 15 per cent from the age of 45.

The researchers, from Trinity College Dublin, said the findings show that middle age may be a critical time to introduce fall prevention measures such as exercise.