‘Take Small Steps to Stay on Your Feet’ campaign launched
A new campaign to encourage older people to keep fit and healthy by avoiding falls has been launched by the City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian.
‘Take Small Steps to Stay on your Feet’ gives older people five easy tips to try and prevent falls and also information about what to do if they do suffer one.
Falls are a major problem for older people with more than 30% of over 65’s falling every year, with many more than once.
They can cause physical injuries such as fractures and head injuries and also psychological harm along with longer term problems such as disability, loss of independence and social isolation.
In Scotland the cost of falls by older people living in the community has been estimated to exceed £471m every year.
The new campaign has five top tips for older people:
- Get checked out top to toe – have your eyes and hearing tested regularly, wear shoes and slippers that are comfortable and fit properly, and get your GP to regularly review your prescription medications
- Calcium keeps bones strong – eat a well balanced diet that contains calcium rich foods like dairy products, green leafy vegetables, bread and fish
- Get enough Vitamin D – to help keep your bones strong. Natural sunlight is a good way or take supplements from your GP or pharmacist
- Stay active – exercise such as walking, gardening and dancing can strengthen muscles, bones and improve balance
- Clear your way at home – make sure there’s nothing that might cause someone to trip or bump into them such as rugs, loose carpets and items lying on the floor
- In addition, the campaign advises older people what to do if they have a fall. These include: move to a soft surface, keep warm, call for help and keep moving. There is also information about the best ways to get up after a fall.
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