Post by Denise on Apr 13, 2011 12:17:08 GMT
Falls Awareness Week Starts 20th June 2011
Sadly, it’s true that falling is a natural part of ageing. Around 30% of people over 65 and 50 % of over 85s will fall each year. It can happen as a result of many factors; as we age our muscles weaken, making it difficult to right ourselves if we trip or stumble; combinations of medicines can cause dizziness; and a natural deterioration in eyesight can affect our balance as well as judgement when it comes to negotiating obstacles such as stairs and uneven paving.
Simple interventions to prevent falls
What’s not true, however, is the common belief by old and young alike that falls are just another inconvenience to put up with. Age UK will be raising awareness of the simple interventions that can help to prevent falls – such as strength and balance exercise, medication reviews and regular eye-tests during Falls Awareness Week from June 20th to 24th.
Age UK hope you will join them in holding an event. There are lots of ideas included in its action pack to help you – and Age UK will support you with promotional materials and template press releases.
Or if you would just like to find out more about preventing falls and local classes and activities, check the Age UK Events List, to see if there’s something going on in your area.
To find out more about Falls Awareness Week, visit http:// www.ageuk.org.uk/fallsweek.
Email falls@ageuk.org.uk
Or call 0800 169 8787, to order a hard copy of the action pack.
Sadly, it’s true that falling is a natural part of ageing. Around 30% of people over 65 and 50 % of over 85s will fall each year. It can happen as a result of many factors; as we age our muscles weaken, making it difficult to right ourselves if we trip or stumble; combinations of medicines can cause dizziness; and a natural deterioration in eyesight can affect our balance as well as judgement when it comes to negotiating obstacles such as stairs and uneven paving.
Simple interventions to prevent falls
What’s not true, however, is the common belief by old and young alike that falls are just another inconvenience to put up with. Age UK will be raising awareness of the simple interventions that can help to prevent falls – such as strength and balance exercise, medication reviews and regular eye-tests during Falls Awareness Week from June 20th to 24th.
Age UK hope you will join them in holding an event. There are lots of ideas included in its action pack to help you – and Age UK will support you with promotional materials and template press releases.
Or if you would just like to find out more about preventing falls and local classes and activities, check the Age UK Events List, to see if there’s something going on in your area.
To find out more about Falls Awareness Week, visit http:// www.ageuk.org.uk/fallsweek.
Email falls@ageuk.org.uk
Or call 0800 169 8787, to order a hard copy of the action pack.