Did You Fall… or Just Fall Over?

Language tells on us. It betrays our age, our culture, and sometimes even our attitude. One curious example is the shift from “I fell over” to “I had a fall.” Somewhere along the way, we’re told that once we cross an invisible age line, the simple stumble turns into an event worth reporting. It’s no longer just gravity winning. It’s a fall.

So we put the question to our GreyMatter Over 50s Workshop Group on Facebook: what do you say? The responses, true to form, didn’t disappoint.

Elizabeth reminded us that half the fun is in the retelling: “I describe my actions as it’s always a ridiculous thing that occurred and often funny so I share. So, I will say this happened and begin my monologue 🙃👍.”

Greg cut right to the chase: “Tripped arse up…?”

Penelope brought in the practical angle: everyday talk is “fell over,” but official reports? That’s when “falls” appear.
Jas kept it upbeat: “I fell over. Please note that I did get back up again.”

Kay wasn’t having any of this passive language business: “A fall doesn’t impose itself on me. I accidentally fall!”

Bel, ever the analyst, found nuance: “I would use both in different situations. I fell over would be on same level but I had a fall would be used if I fell from one level to another.”

Sonia, Peter, Wendy, Lida, Helen and Inge like many others, kept it simple: “Most likely to use ‘I fell over.’”

What’s the verdict? It seems most of us aren’t ready to hand over our language (or our balance) to the euphemisms of age. Whether it’s a pratfall, a tumble, or an arse up, we’re still telling the story our own way.

At GreyMatter, we like that. Because in the end, it’s not about whether you fell over or had a fall—it’s about getting back up, laughing about it, and making it part of the narrative.

After all, the words we choose don’t just describe what happened; they tell us who we are.

Standing Strong: 3 Simple Ways to Keep Your Legs Steady

Because sometimes the best story is the one where you don’t hit the ground.

1. Balance Builders – Try standing on one leg while brushing your teeth, or practice heel-to-toe walking. These little daily habits quietly train your balance.

2. Leg Strengtheners – Squats, sit-to-stands from a chair, or step-ups onto a low step are simple moves that keep your quads, hamstrings and glutes ready for action.

3. Stretch & Flex – Gentle calf raises or ankle circles keep joints supple and responsive, so when life throws a wobble, your legs know how to catch you.