As we get older, we’re more at risk of having a trip or a fall, and that can lead to injuries that need a stay in hospital. Even the fear of falling is enough to damage confidence and reduce independence.
Every year one in three people aged 65 and over in Derbyshire will have a trip or fall. This rises to half of all people aged 80 and over.
But falling over isn’t an inevitable part of the ageing process, and many falls are preventable.
Strictly No Falling is a falls prevention exercise programme for older people across Derbyshire.
You can get involved to improve your strength and balance, have fun and meet new friends. To find out more, tel: 01773 766 922 or visit Strictly No Falling.
Are you at risk of falling?
We are all at risk of having a fall, but as we get older our risk increases due to a variety of reasons including:
- balance – we rely on our balance to stay upright when we overreach or trip, however, as we age our balance reaction time gets slower
- muscle strength – as we age we lose muscle strength and between the ages of 50 and 70 you will lose 30% of muscle strength
- bones – bones become more brittle as we age, making them more likely to fracture if you fall. This is especially true for postmenopausal women
All of the Strictly No Falling classes will include exercises to help you achieve these objectives. All of the staff working to deliver these sessions are well qualified and have been approved by the Falls Activity Advisors.
Useful Links
- Age UK Derby and Derbyshire website
- Strictly No Falling Classes
- Referral form and process –
- Falls Prevention in Care Homes
- eLearning – Falls Awareness and The Benefits of Exercise
- Falls Action Card
- Day Services
