Health Gem

If you do one thing this week... reduce the risk of falls

Did you know that each year one in three people over the age of 65 in Ireland suffers from a fall?

The majority of those will have another fall in the next six months, and as well as physical injury, the fallout may also be anxiety, depression and loss of independence.

But increasing awareness of falls risks can help, according to a release from the Technology Research for Independent Living (TRIL) Centre and charity Age Action.

Today is Falls Awareness Day and their simple message is: “Keep physically active, engage with family and friends, and if concerned with falls, contact your healthcare professional.”

Other tips include having your vision checked regularly, installing handrails for stairs, using grab rails and a non-slip mat in the bath or shower and keeping items within easy reach.

For more information on falls and the kind of research being carried out into falls prevention, see trilcentre.org/ fallsawareness2011.