Did you know?
- Salford has one of the highest rates of falls causing injuries requiring hospital admission amongst older people in Greater Manchester
- One in three adults aged over 65 fall at least once a year
- This means there are around 11,667 falls by people over 65 years old in Salford
- NHS England spends £15 million a year nationwide on fall-related injuries - and another £2 BILLION on hip fractures
Falls are serious at any age, but breaking a bone after a fall becomes more likely as a person ages. While healing, the fracture limits the person’s activities and sometimes requires surgery.
Even though bones do not break after every fall, the person who has fallen and broken a bone nearly always becomes fearful of falling again. As a result, she or he may limit activities for the sake of “safety.”
Several factors can lead to a fall including;
- Loss of footing, tripping or poor balance
- Changes to reflex speed
- Problems with vision
- Chronic medical conditions needing medication/being on a number of medications
- Drinking alcohol
Falls are preventable
Older people can help themselves with five simple steps: checking medication, taking regular exercise, wearing the right shoes, having an eye test and checking for hazards in their homes and outside.
Supporting materials
SIX SIMPLE EXERCISES
Try these exercises a few times a week to build up your strength, balance and mobility.
TIPS:
- All exercises (except exercise 4) can be performed seated if required.
- Stop if you feel unwell at any point.
- Don’t perform any exercises you don’t feel confident with.
1. Warm up Seated march for 30 seconds. |
4. Sit to stand 5-10 times. |
2. Toe and heel taps 6-8 times. |
5. Leg swing 3-6 times on each leg; slow and controlled. |
3. Side step 10-15 times. |
6. Heel raise 5-10 times. |
You should not exercise beyond your ability. If you are concerned that you have a medical condition which might interfere with you exercising safely you should get advice from a medical professional.