Age Isle of Man will be holding various events throughout the island next week as part of Age UK’s Falls Awareness Week 2013.
The aim is to get people to put their ‘best foot forward’ by keeping their feet healthy, preventing falls in later life.
As well as keeping feet in good shape, the events will show that there are a whole range of simple things that can reduce the risk of a fall.
Age UK’s 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 per cent of over-65s and 50 per cent 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.
Age Isle of Man will be holding Falls Awareness Week roadshows at various locations island-wide, which will include Douglas, Port Erin, Peel and Ramsey. People in later life from across the island are invited to go aboard the CHAT Bus to find out what they can do to help prevent falls and improve later life.
The CHAT bus will be at the following locations:
Monday, June 17: Douglas, Shoprite Car Park, Victoria Road 10am to 4pm
Tuesday, June 18: Peel, Shoprite Car Park, Derby Road 10am to 4pm
Thursday June 20, Port Erin, Shoprite Living Car Park 10am-4pm
The same service will also be available on:
Wednesday, June 19, Douglas, Strand Shopping Centre 10am to 4pm
Friday, June 21: Ramsey Town Hall 10am to 4pm
George Quayle, Age Isle of Man chief executive officer, said: ‘Following the success of last year’s Falls Awareness Week; we are seeking to continue to try to get this vital message across to older people on the island.
‘Last year our staff were concerned that many people we met had fallen at least once but had not told anyone about it. We are encouraging older people to look at many aspects of their daily lives to try to prevent falls, and the potential trauma that can sometimes follow.’
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.
‘Events such as ours, held in support of Falls Awareness Week are crucial in helping everyone understand how to reduce the risk of falling and how to maintain mobility and independence as we grow older.’
During Falls Awareness Week Age UK will be supporting events across the country highlighting how important it is to look after your feet, as well as the benefits of staying active in later life.
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 631740.