Best food forward for Age UK's Falls Awareness Week

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Falls Team will be holding an information stand in the main reception of Derriford Hospital as part of Age UK’s Falls Awareness Week 2013 (17 – 21 June).

The aim is get people to put their ‘best foot forward’ by keeping their feet healthy to prevent falls in later life. As well as keeping feet in good shape, the event will show that there are a whole range of simple things that can reduce the risk of a fall.

Falls Awareness Week 2013 will highlight how important it is for everyone to keep their feet healthy in order to maintain mobility and independence throughout life. Foot conditions can result in foot pain, which in turn can cause problems with balance, walking and sensation in the feet – all of which can lead to falls. With around 30% of over 65’s and 50% of those aged over 80 falling every year, Age UK is calling on older people to attend local activities during Falls Awareness Week to learn how to prevent falls and keep feet healthy all year round.

The Falls Team will be in Derriford Hospital main reception on Monday 17, Tuesday 18 and Friday 21 June offering advice and information on what’s hot and what’s not in footwear, bone health advice and exercise to keep and improve strength in your feet and ankles. People in later life from across Plymouth are invited to attend in to find out what they can do to help prevent falls and improve later life.

Rebecca Stuckey, Clinical Nurse Specialist said: “There are so many simple things that older people can do to prevent falls including medication reviews, regular eye sight tests, hazard spotting and staying active. With this year’s theme aimed at keeping feet healthy we will be offering advice and top tips from exercising to sloppy slippers.

“This event is crucial in helping everyone understand how to reduce the risk of falling and how to maintain mobility and independence as we grow older.”

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director General at Age UK, said: “Foot pain and falls are not inevitable as we get older. There are lots of things that we can do to help prevent falls and keep our feet healthy throughout life, from simply having regular foot checks to wearing well-fitting shoes. During the Week, people will be able to find out more about how to look after their feet and how to do simple exercises that could help prevent falls.”

To download Age UK’s free ‘Staying Steady’ and ‘Healthy Living’ guides, and to find out more information about Age UK’s Falls Awareness Week 2013 and what’s happening in your local area, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/falls or call 0800 169 6565.