Local organisations will be out and about around the Hastings and Rother area next week to mark National Falls Awareness Week (June 21st - 25th).
Although falls can happen at any age, the risks are greater for the older population. A fall in later life can have physical and emotional affects, causing loss of mobility, independence and confidence.
The message of this year’s Falls Awareness Week is that falls don’t have to be an inevitable part of ageing, and by keeping as physically active as possible, the chances of suffering a fall can be reduced.
On Friday 18th June, teams will be at the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre in Hastings, with information and the chance to try out different activities aimed to help develop and maintain strength and balance. Experts on hand to give advice will include Active Hastings, Independent Living Service, Age Concern East Sussex, Falls Prevention Service, Health Promotion and Health Trainers, In Touch and Hastings and St Leonards Seniors Forum.
Advice will also be available at Broomgrove Community Centre, Chiltern Drive on Tuesday 22nd June from 10.00 – 12.30 pm when there will be a further chance to have a go at activities and speak to experts from the agencies above, plus Action for Change.
Teams will also be visiting lunch clubs during the week with information and a quiz to get people talking about falls and what can be done to help prevent them:
Monday 21st - Age Concern lunch club, Brede Village Hall
Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd - Age Concern lunch club, Magdala House, Rye
Thursday 24th - Pinehill day centre in the morning and Northiam Ageless after lunch.
The important facts about physical activity later in life are:
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It’s never too late to get started – almost everyone can do something to become more active, improving physical health and reducing the risk of falls
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Strength and balance are the key to independent living – allowing us to continue everyday activities
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It’s important to tailor the activity to individual needs, ability and interest
