More than 1.2 million Australians aged over 50 have been injured in the past six months, according to research by Suncorp specialist insurer Apia.

Of those injured, more than half suffered dislocations or sprained or tore muscles/ligaments.

The injuries prevented more than half of the victims from going about their regular day-to-day activities.

Injuries from falls were the most common cause of injury (50%) followed by either hitting or being hit by something (15%). Women are more likely to fall over (39%) than men (27%).

Suncorp Life EM Jane Power says it can take up to six months to heal more severe muscle strains that can require surgery.

WA residents suffered the most injuries (31%), while NSW residents suffered the least (15%).

Leg injuries were the most common (22%) followed by back/spine (18%) and arm/wrist (16%). Light physical activity accounted for 28% of all injuries.

Ms Power says 17% of all injuries occurred in and around the home.

“No one is immune from life’s little mishaps but adequate protection can go some way to helping maintain people’s lifestyle,” she said.