Age UK announces its Falls Awareness Week 2011

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Age UK announces its Falls Awareness Week 2011 Monday 20 June - Friday 24 June 2011

Every year, more than three million people aged over 65, including half of those aged 80+, will have a fall. The consequences can be devastating, both physically and emotionally.

There are many factors that can lead to falls and this year's Falls Awareness Week, run by Age UK, will focus on the link between reduced vision and falls. A series of events will be happening across the country between Monday 20 and Friday 24 June to encourage people in later life to take simple steps to prevent falls, such as having an eye test.

Falls Awareness Week is an opportunity for Age UK to encourage people in later life to find out more about falls prevention and take part in local activities to reduce their risk of falling. Last year, over 1,200 events took place around the UK; this year, Age UK is asking older people to ‘Watch Your Step' and attend activities which help reduce the risk of falling. People can find out more about what's happening in their local area by calling 0800 169 87 87 or by visiting www.ageuk.org.uk/fallsweek.

Age UK's Falls Awareness Week 2011 will promote activities and projects that help to prevent falls in later life - from letting people know how important regular eye tests are and giving your walking stick an M.O.T., to finding out how to do strength and balance exercises at an organised session or from the comfort of your armchair.

Helena Herklots, Services Director at Age UK, said: "It is not just falls themselves that have an impact, the fear of falling can have a devastating effect on confidence - limiting daily activities and reducing independence. There are however a number of things can be done to help prevent falls; simply making sure you have regular eye tests and wearing the right prescription glasses can help with balance and make you feel more confident on your feet."

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For any media enquiries or photography, please call Sarah Scott on 020 3033 1434 or email sarah.scott@ageuk.org.uk.

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: Sarah Scott
Tel: 020 3033 1434
Email: Sarah.Scott@ageuk.org.uk