Falls and fall-related injuries are a common and serious problem for older people. People aged 65 and over have the highest risk of falling, with 30% of people over 65 and half aged over 80 falling at least once a year.
Falls cause distress, pain, injury, loss of confidence and independence.
Falls prevention advice
As we get older, we should do the following:
- Aim to be active daily and try to do at least 2.5 hours of moderate intensity activity a week.
- Do exercises to improve the strength of our muscles and bones.
- Do exercises to help improve our balance and coordination.
Taking part in strength and balance exercise can reduce your rate of falls by up to 32% and the risk of falling by up to 22%.
Worried about falling?
- Have you fallen in the last year?
- Do you have problems with your strength and balance when walking?
- Do you have a fear of falling?
If you are at risk of falling or have fallen recently it is important to get the right support. East Sussex County Council’s Falls Prevention Team can direct you to services that can help. Visit www.new.eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/health-advice/falls-guide or call 0345 6080191 and ask to speak to the Falls Prevention Team.
