Positivity 'can help cut risk of falls for elderly'

While most elderly people accurately assess their risks of falling, about one person in three does not.

Researchers from Australia and Belgium examined data for 500 men and women aged 70 to 90 for the study, published online in the British Medical Journal.

Altogether 149 of them (30 per cent) had fallen once or more in the previous year and, over the course of the next year, 214 (43 per cent) reported one or more falls.

Analysis showed that among those who feared falling, even though there was a low physiological risk, almost 40 per cent had several falls over the following year or were injured in falls.

Meanwhile, about one person in three with little fear of falling actually fell over despite having the greater physiological risk..

The researchers believe a positive attitude among these "stoics", combined with regular exercise that increases strength, could work in their favour.

The authors said: "Excessive fear of falling can lead to needless restriction in participation in physical and social activities, resulting in physical deconditioning, poor quality of life, social isolation, depression, and psychological distress."

They said strategies to lessen fear of falling – such as cognitive behavioural therapy – should be available for the anxious.

Michelle Mitchell, of Age UK, said: "GPs and other medical professionals need more support to identify people who fear or are at risk of falling and refer them to appropriate services."