Reducing the risk of falling

As we grow older, gradual changes to our health and the medications we take can contribute to an increased risk of falling.

Every year, around one in three over-65s living in the community and one in two people aged over 85 will have a fall.

There are many reasons why the risk of falls and fractures increases with age, including weaker bones and muscles and being less mobile. However, many falls can be prevented and are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but equally easy to fix.

Falls Awareness Week 2014 is about helping to reduce the risk of falls among older people by identifying some of those fixes.

There are many simple changes you can make around your home to reduce the risk of falls – indoors and out.

Checking for hazards which can cause a slip, trip or fall on floors, steps and stairs in the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and garden can help you to reduce the risk of falling.

It is also important to look at and address the fear of falling that some people may have. This anxiety may stem from having already had a fall and can lead to older people losing confidence and becoming isolated and depressed.

We also need to consider the role that medication can play in falls. Some medications including sedatives or strong painkillers can cause drowsiness, while others may alter your vision, hearing or concentration.

If you are worried about falls, Age Cymru has produced a guide called ‘Avoiding slips, trips and falls’. It gives tips on how to reduce the risk of falling at home and includes a self-assessment form about your general wellbeing.

‘Avoiding slips, trips and falls’ is available for free from Age Cymru’s Healthy Ageing Team by contacting them on 029 2043 1555, or emailing ageingwell@agecymru.org.uk. You can also download it from the Age Cymru website – www.agecymru.org.uk.


Rosalyn Williams
Health Initiatives Officer, Age Cymru

Falls Awareness Week - We need to look after our feet

It’s Falls Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is Best Foot Forward which will look at how healthy feet can help older people to keep their balance and independence.

None of us like or want to fall. Falling can leave older people shaken and bruised, often with broken bones, and half of all over 80s and a third of over 65s are at risk of a potentially serious fall this year.

Falling and the fear of falling can also affect older people’s confidence which stops them getting out and about in their communities, leaving them feeling isolated and cut off from society.

Many of us do not actually realise that there are foot-related health conditions which can affect our balance and increase our risk of falling.

Top tips for looking after your feet:

· Always report any problems with your feet, such as pain or reduced sensation, to your GP or practice nurse
· Wear shoes that fit well. High-sided shoes with low heels and thin soles with a good grip can help if you feel unsteady. Make sure they’re firmly secured with laces or Velcro
· Avoid wearing sandals and shoes with high heels
· Wear slippers that have a good grip and that fasten and stay on properly. Make sure they aren’t loose or worn out, as this may cause you to trip
· Make sure that your trousers or skirts don’t trail on the ground
· Always wear shoes or slippers, and don’t walk indoors in bare feet, socks or tights

So, put your best foot forward and help us to spread the word. Healthy feet can prevent trips, slips and falls so look after yours.

For general information about falls and a link to information about Falls Awareness Week events in your area, please visit www.agecymru.org.uk/fallsweek


Rosalyn Williams
Health Initiative Officer, Age Cymru