Pensioners urged to act to prevent deadly falls

Age UK said that in England in 2010, more than 88,000 people aged over 60 fractured a hip, 43,000 broke an arm and nearly 17,000 suffered a fractured pelvis.

The charity warned that falls are one of the leading causes of death in over-75s.

Age UK, which released the figures as part of its Falls Awareness Week, urged elderly people to take part in programmes which improve strength and balance.

Charity director general Michelle Mitchell said: “The impact of a fall can be devastating and the scale of the issue is a real concern, especially as we know that prevention is so much better than cure.

“Age UK’s Falls Awareness Week highlights this important issue and provides a host of community events so that older people can find out about helping to prevent falls and keep bones strong and healthy.

“We’re encouraging people to go to an event to find out how to introduce simple strength and balance exercises into day-to-day life to help prevent falls.

“The events will also look at the importance of getting out in the sunshine and incorporating calcium and sources of vitamin D in your diet. This all helps to strengthen bones to protect you if you do fall.”

Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman, who is supporting the charity’s awareness week, added: “I would encourage everyone to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Dancing has really helped me to maintain my fitness levels throughout my life and it really does make a difference, literally keeping me on my toes.”