Unshrouding Social Determinants: A Case for Standardised Data in Australia's Health Information Ecosystem.

In England, one in three older people living in their own home experience at least one fall a year []. Falls often result in physical injuries, but they may also reduce older people’s confidence, independence, and wellbeing, and thus increase demand for both healthcare and social care services [–]. The need for preventative strategies has been widely recognised, and as such, guidelines to minimise or avoid their prevalence have been developed [–] Much of the literature exploring the factors associated with an increased risk of falls has emphasised the identification of individual-level characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity, frailty status, balance problems, vision impairment, and long-term conditions such as cognitive decline [–]. For those at risk, clinical and behavioural interventions have been the norm. For example, vitamin D supplementation programmes have been implemented to address deficiencies associated with bone health, alongside exercise classes designed to improve balance and muscle strength [–]. More recently, the role of the home environment has gained increasing attention as a potential preventative strategy to avoid or reduce the risk of falls. In this regard, home adaptations (such as grab rails, ramps, and improved access), assistive technologies, and innovations have demonstrated relative effectiveness [–]. Yet, the role played by broader housing conditions (e.g., cold indoor temperatures and lack of space) remains less well explored. These factors may present significant risks for older adults, particularly those living in their own homes, where most falls occur [].