Falls are a growing health problem with at least 1 in 3 older people experiencing a fall each year. 

About the trial

We are investigating which quick to administer tests are optimal for predicting future falls in community-dwelling older people. This study is being run in partnership with the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) as a sub-study of the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study 2.

How to take part

Participants must first sign up to the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study 2, conducted by CHeBA. Our sub-study involves a one off 2hr visit to NeuRA where we will conduct assessments of balance and mobility. You will be asked to wear an activity monitor for 1 week and followed up for falls for 12 months.

We provide a comprehensive report of your balance, mobility and activity levels upon participation. 

To participate in the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study 2 you must:

• Be aged 70 – 90 years old
• Live in the federal government areas of Kingsford-Smith or Wentworth in Sydney (Local Government Areas: Randwick, Botany, Waverley and Woollahra)
• Be fluent in English
• Have a family member or close friend who can answer questions about your health
• Not live in residential aged care
• Not have dementia, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, or a developmental disability
• Not have a life-threatening disease or are receiving treatment for cancer
• Not have a severe psychiatric disorder (such as psychosis or bipolar disorder)
• Have not taken part in the original Sydney Memory and Ageing Study (MAS1) which started in 2005

With Australia’s population aged over 65 set to double in the next 35 years, this is an exciting time to be at the forefront of healthy brain ageing research and we need our older Australians to help us do just that.