Older people are most at risk of having a fall, which can result in injury as well as increased anxiety and a loss of confidence.

But, there is lots you can do to reduce your risk of falling – and there’s help on hand if you’ve
already taken a tumble.

During Falls Prevention Week in the autumn, the council and other local organisations hosted a series of special events to offer advice and even gave away new pairs of slippers – designed for preventing trips.

There were also demonstrations of some handy exercises you could do to help your balance and mobility – all from the comfort of your favourite chair at home.

If you missed it, keep a look out for future events and find more information on the council’s website.

How Mary bounced back

Mary, 93, from Ealing, was a guest speaker at one of the events. She spoke about her experience of having had a fall, and how she had bounced back.

“I started using a walking stick in my mid-80s, when I felt a little unsteady on my feet,” said Mary.

“Needless to say, the walking stick caught on the pavement and I had a bad fall. It was recommended I get a walker by the falls clinic, and I thought ‘oh dear, I’ll look so old’. But, wow, it changed my world.

“I am able to walk upright and keep up with my family on days out.”

‘Friendship and encouragement’

Mary has made lots of other small adjustments too, which were recommended to her. She’s invested in some fashionable, and reasonably priced, trainers to replace slip-on shoes and spends time doing some simple exercises at home.

She has also taken part in special exercise classes locally too, where she says she found friendship and encouragement. There is a good selection of low-cost classes you can sign up to if you’d like to get out and meet
other people too.

A handy service to know

Councillor Polly Knewstub, the council’s cabinet member for healthy, equal lives, said: “Mary is a great example to us. She refused to let a fall hinder her and was able to access the right help when she needed it. There are lots of small measures you can take to avoid falls, such as fitting handrails at home – and you can get jobs like this done, for free, through the council’s handyperson service.”