Less clutter ‘cuts risk of falls by 26%’

IT’S good news for minimalists as decluttering your home reduces the chances of falls by more than a quarter, a review found.

Eliminating hazards such as clutter, changing slippery mats or fixing stairs with poor lighting, reduces the risk of falling for older people by 26 per cent.

According to a Cochrane review, a health research network, scientists at the University of Sydney found the measures have the biggest effect (38 per cent fewer falls) for people who are at a higher risk.

Nearly one third of people aged 65 years and older fall each year, with most occurring in the home.