WE ALL know that being a bit tipsy can lead to ending up 'topsy-turvy'.
And while there's nothing wrong enjoying the odd tipple, alcohol consumption has been shown to increase the risk of falls in older adults.
That's according to WA Health which runs the Stay on Your Feet fall prevention program.
The program aims to reduce the incidence of falls and falls-related injuries, which are the leading cause of hospitalisation of adults over the age of 65 in Australia and cost the WA Health System more than $1 million each year.
It says many people may not be aware of what safe alcohol consumption levels are as they age and that its effects can be amplified as a result of the natural ageing process.
Accredited practicing dietician Dr Christina Pollard said watching what you drink as you age can help reduce the incidence of injuries due to slips, trips and falls as the result of impaired judgement, interference with balance and reduced reaction times due to the impact of alcohol on the body.
"Older people are more susceptible to the toxic effects of alcohol. This may be due to changes in their body composition, decreased metabolic capacity or other disease conditions and medications they use to manage them," Dr Pollard says.
She said alcohol consumption is known to cause poor judgement, coordination problems and a lack of balance, increasing an individual's falls risk.
Part of the Stay on Your Feet program includes the Fuel Your Body campaign, which runs until the end of April.
This initiative highlights the importance of drinking less alcohol, maintaining adequate hydration levels and eating a healthy, balanced diet to keep your brain and body healthy.
Injury prevention manager Rachel Meade said the campaign has been designed to give older adults in the community basic information around food, alcohol and water consumption that are simple to follow, cost effective and age appropriate.
- 1300 30 35 40, www.stayonyourfeet.com.au