According to charity Age UK, falls are a major cause of injury and death among the over 70s and nationally account for more than 50% of hospital admissions for accidental injury. The charity is saying that the elderly should be encouraged to take more exercise, to reduce the risk of falls.

To mark Falls Awareness Week, 21st – 25th June, NHS Buckinghamshire and Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust are promoting falls awareness and highlighting a range of physical activity opportunities that are available to older people in Buckinghamshire.

The innovative ‘Get Fit, Avoid Falls’ course, is for anyone who wants to stay active, safe and avoid falls. Local people invited to join the free course, available in Wycombe, run by the local NHS. ‘Get Fit, Avoid Falls,’ is a 12 week programme designed especially to improve balance and strength in older people who are at risk, or are frightened of falling. In addition to providing exercise, it informs people about falls prevention, home safety and community services. Over 230 local people took part in the programme last year.

‘Get Fit, Avoid Falls’ classes are held throughout the county, and people can sign up now to take part:

Wycombe YMCA, Thursdays, 1:00pm-2:45pm

Aylesbury Aqua Vale Fitness Centre, Wednesdays, 2:00pm-3:45pm

Swan Pool, Buckingham, Mondays, 2:00pm-3:45pm (from July 2010)

Princes Risborough Community Centre, Tuesdays, 10:30am-12:15pm (from July 2010)

If you are interested in taking part in the ‘Get Fit, Avoid Falls’ programme, please contact the falls prevention service 0844 225 2403.

Nationally, one in three people in later life suffer from a fall each year. In Buckinghamshire, around 200 people are referred to the falls awareness team each month, and last year a total of 2,768 people were referred.

Jo Wilson, Public Health Practitioner, NHS Buckinghamshire, said: “It’s important that as we age we keep as mobile and active as possible. The falls event and ‘Get Fit, Avoid Falls’ classes, with talks and information on exercise and safety in the home, aim to further awareness about the importance of falls prevention.”

Alison Aylen, Clinical Falls Lead, Community Falls Prevention Team, said: “The consequences of a fall in later life can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. But, falls need not be an inevitable part of ageing, and your local NHS offers a diverse range of care and treatments to help prevent falls.

“We are encouraging older people to find out more about falls prevention and get involved in local activities. We want to promote the fact that it’s never too late to get started, raise awareness of the role of strength and balance and promote the importance of exercise.”

The focus of this year’s National Falls Awareness Week, run by Age UK, is on strength and balance, raising awareness of some simple steps older people can take to avoid a fall in later life.