I’d urge everyone to try and stay physically active and do everything they can to help prevent falls when they are older.
People 60 and over are being hospitalised due to falls
The charity is announcing the figures as part of its Falls Awareness Week 2013 which starts on the 17th of June. The awareness week aims to raise awareness of the things people can do to prevent the devastating consequences of a fall in later life. More people aged 60 and over are being treated in the hospital due to stumbling and tripping up because they are not steady on their feet.
Moreover, the results show that over 9,000 older people die every year as the result of a fall and injuries from falls; it is one of the leading causes of death for over 75’s. For others, the impact of a fall can be life-changing, leaving many feeling isolated, anxious and reluctant to leave home.
Michelle Mitchell, the Charity Director General at Age UK, said ‘With the older population projected to rise by nearly 50% in the next 20 years, the number of people over 60 experiencing falls to the extent where they are receiving hospital treatment is a real concern. Falls in later life are often dismissed as an inevitable part of growing older, however the reality is that there is something we can all do prevent a fall and increase our chances of living a healthy and independent life for as long as possible. Prevention is better than cure and more should be done to support and promote this.’
Last year nearly 70,000 people aged 60 and over were treated in hospital in the UK after tripping or stumbling on a flat surface and 21,000 from a fall on the stairs. However, some of the more unusual reasons include over 3,000 people aged 60 and over falling from a ladder, 86 falling from trees and 80 experiencing falls involving playground equipment. There are several reasons why older people fall and for this year’s Falls Awareness Week, Age UK is focusing on foot conditions and complaints which can result in foot pain. These can cause problems with balance, walking and sensation in the feet which often lead to falls.
Television presenter and broadcaster, Judith Chalmers OBE, is supporting Age UK’s Falls Awareness Week, and she says ‘Having a fall really can be quite a life-changing experience. Last year my husband Neil fell on cobblestones and broke his ankle in three places. This had a quite an impact on our day to day lives and has made both of us very wary about how steady we are on our feet. I’d urge everyone to try and stay physically active and do everything they can to help prevent falls when they are older.’
Olympic Gold Medallist Sally Gunnell OBE DL is supporting the week by saying: ‘I’ve had my fair share of injuries throughout my athletic career and I know how important it is to look after yourself, including your feet. Maintaining good general health and well-being throughout your life can stand you in good stead in older age. I’m supporting Age UK’s call for everyone to put their best foot forward for Falls Awareness Week to help enjoy a healthy lifestyle as we get older.’
During the Falls Awareness Week 2013, Age UK will be working with falls prevention services, charities and hospitals including local Age UKs, to host events and activities for people in later life. The week will promote activities and projects that help to prevent falls in later life. You will be able to find out how to do strength and balance exercises at an organised session or from the comfort of an armchair and you will learn how to let people know how important it is to keep feet healthy.