The Forge Clinic is taking in part in Age UK’s falls prevention week in a bid to reduce the number of falls in elderly people. By offering some simple tips and techniques to educate the elderly, their family and carers we hope to build confidence and strength to avoid further accidents and falls.
This topic is very important to us, as Age UK reminds us in these facts about falls:
- About one-third of people over 65 will fall in a year, rising to approximately half of all those aged 80 and over. Every year in England, more than 223,000 people over 60 have a fracture as a result of a fall. This is more than the entire population of Northampton.
- Seventy-five per cent of falls are not reported. Falls represent over half of hospital admissions for accidental injury.
- Falls destroy confidence, increase isolation and reduce independence, with 9 per cent of older people who fall becoming afraid to leave their homes in case they fall again.
- A tailored exercise programme can reduce an individual’s risk of falling by up to 50 per cent.
So we have put together some top tips to avoid trips and falls.
1- Diet & Nutrition– A good diet is essential for keeping bones strong and healthy, which is very important to prevent broken bones if you do have any trips or falls. Vitamin D, which can be found in oily fish and eggs or from our favourite source, sunshine, can help to strengthen your bones. Calcium will also help to keep your bones strong and can be found in some dairy foods and canned fish. Book an appointment with our Nutritional Therapist, Julie Deeks, for more advice on how to increase your vitamin D and calcium intake.
2- Exercise – Regular exercise is key to building strength in the legs and increase stability/balance. Try gardening, dancing, tai chi or special balance and stability classes or alternatively visit Victoria Anderson, our Clinical Exercise Specialist. Victoria will put together personalised exercises to help increase core and leg strength and help with any balance issues.
3- Look after your body– It is important that you listen to your body as any aches and pains you may have can affect your balance and stability. Visit our Physiotherapists, for help with any conditions or concerns you have. They will help to work on any pains and also check your balance and mobility.
4- Take care of your feet- Our feet are put through so much on a day to day basis and they are often neglected. Poor footwear and unhappy feet can lead to balance issues and falls. Visit your GP or chiropodist for help and advice with your foot pains or alternatively visit Foot Solutions for advice on the right footwear for you.
5- Safe Guard your home- Do explore your normal environment to look for fall risks.
If you would like more information about how we can help please call us on 02083326184 or alternatively you can book online.
