Age Isle of Man will be holding a Falls Awareness Road Show as part of Age UK’s Falls Awareness Week 2012. Backing the Charity’s drive to boost the bone health of older people across the country, the event will show that there are many simple things that can reduce the risk of falls and fractures as we grow older.
In Falls Awareness Week 2012, Age Isle of Man will highlight the importance of exercise alongside a balanced diet rich in calcium and getting enough Vitamin D through sunshine to build and maintain healthy bones, helping to prevent falls and fractures in later life. With around 30% of over-65s and 50% of those aged over 80 falling every year, Age Isle of Man is calling on older people and their friends and relatives to attend local activities during Falls Awareness Week to learn how to prevent falls and look after bone health all year round. Activities range from taking a walk and getting out in the sunshine for ten minutes to exercise such as Tai Chi, Zumba or Walk and Talk sessions etc.
George Quayle, Age Isle of Man’s CEO said: “Research shows that falls are a major cause of a decline in health in older people. They can reduce confidence and independence and sometimes result in older people having to go into residential or nursing care homes much earlier than expected. Anything we can do to prevent falls will be of enormous benefit.”
Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director General of Age UK, said: “As we get older our bone strength naturally deteriorates, which puts us at greater risk of serious injury if we do fall. People attending Falls Awareness Week events will be able to find out more about how to maintain bone health as well as discovering simple strength and balance exercises. Every step can make a difference – from simply walking up the stairs to getting active in a local exercise class.”
Age Isle of Man will be holding a Falls Awareness Week event at various locations around the Island from 10.00am to 4.00pm each day as follows:
Monday 18th June - CHAT bus, Shoprite Car Park, Victoria Road, Douglas.
Tuesday 19th June –CHAT bus, Shoprite Car Park, Derby Road, Peel.
Wednesday 20th June - CHAT bus, Shoprite Living Car Park, Port Erin.
Thursday 21st June - Strand Shopping Centre, Douglas.
Friday 22nd June - The Town Hall, Ramsey.
Older people and their friends and relatives are invited to join in to find out what they can do to help prevent falls. Advice will be available on ways of maintaining fitness, checking eyesight and cleaning spectacles, combating vitamin D deficiency, wearing sensible slippers, avoiding hazards in the home etc. In partnership with selected shoe shops around the Island, Age Isle of Man will be giving away up to twenty ?5 vouchers a day which can be redeemed against the purchase of adult slippers. Sloppy slippers can also be a cause of falls!
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