Shopmobility Renfrewshire is highlighting the steps people can take to reduce their risk of falling during National Falls Awareness Week.
The campaign runs from 21st to 25th September. It aims to encourage older adults to stay active, safe and independent.
Falls are not an inevitable part of getting older. Maintaining physical activity, building strength and confidence, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk.
Karen Miller, office manager and fundraising officer for Shopmobility Renfrewshire, said: “This is an important time to remember the simple precautions that can be taken by those who aren’t too steady on their feet, whether through age or illness, to ensure that they don’t have falls and any consequential medical emergency.”
Councillor Kenny MacLaren, chairperson of Shopmobility Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Council’s Older People Champion, said: “This week gives a special focus on the dangers of falls, how to prevent them and how to stay fit and active.
“For some elderly people a fall may result in a hospital admission and further complications, so it’s important to think preventatively and look at ways to prevent falls from happening.
“Age Scotland reports that some 18,000 older people are admitted to Scottish hospitals each year due to a fall. These can be caused by muscle weakness, poor balance, low blood pressure, vision or hearing changes, and certain medications can increase the risk.
“Staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, drinking enough fluids, and checking the home for trip hazards help reduce the risk.”
Karen added: “We’ve seen some of our members suffer from falls, so it is an important issue to us and any organisation that deals with older people.
“But there are some simple remedies everyone could try, such as removing trip hazards and ensuring there is good lighting in halls and passageways.”