Comment on falls statistics

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK said:

'The risk of falling over increases as we get older for many reasons, including deterioration in muscle strength and balance, failing vision and problems with medication. The high proportion of women over 80 falling over is partly down to demographics - women are still more likely to live longer than men and 70 per cent of women over 65 live alone. But osteoporosis - which affects roughly half of all women at some stage in their lives - also places older women at greater risk of breaking a bone if they do have a fall.

'All older people at risk of falls should be given a comprehensive risk assessment which can be arranged by a GP. There are also a number of simple things older people can do themselves to prevent falling over, from taking regular eye tests to finding out how to do strength and balance exercises at an organised session or from the comfort of your own home. For more information go to www.ageuk.org.uk/fallsweek.'

This year, Age UK's Falls Awareness Week (Monday 20 June - Friday 24 June) is urging people to have regular eye tests, which are free for those aged 60+, to help prevent falling. It also encourages people in later life to find out more about falls prevention and take part in local activities to reduce their risk of a fall. For more information about Age UK's Falls Awareness Week 2011, call 0800 169 87 87 or by visit www.ageuk.org.uk/fallsweek

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Notes to Editors

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Media contact: Vicky Smith
Telephone: 020 3033 1438
Out-of-hours: 07071 243 243
Email: vicky.smith@ageuk.org.uk