FALLS AWARENESS MONTH

Lets On….

Feet!

Physical Activity

Why feet matter The average adult takes steps a day Our feet support our entire body and carry us the equivalent of five times round the earth in an average lifetime Estimates show that over half of elderly people wear ill fitting shoes. Foot problems can quickly lead to discomfort and affect the way you walk, which may increase the risk of falling Older people are less able to compensate for pain and disorders of the foot Foot disorders in the elderly are extremely common and are the cause of much pain and disability, and consequent loss of mobility and independence

Common foot problems Corns Gout Hard skin Infections Athletes Foot Loss of sensation often due to diabetes Verrucas Sports Injuries Callouses Blisters

Healthy Feet Keep feet clean and always dry well after washing Ensure shoes fit correctly and are appropriate Always wear socks to reduce the risk of blisters, sweaty feet and fungal infections If you have any foot pain or problems with your feet – see a podiatrist

Physical Activity Increased risk of falls Physical activity decreases with age Functional capacity declines with age and is accelerated by low levels of physical activity 86% women and 78% men in care homes are inactive By the age of 75 only 40% of men and 20% of women can walk for 30 minutes without difficulty Loss of muscle strength and balance decreases bone density and can cause osteoporosis Lack of physical activity can lead to isolation and low mood

Physical activity is good for your health! Physical activity is good for your psychological health and wellbeing and reduces depression by 30% Physical activity can help to prevent falls and reduce the risk of hip fractures by 68% Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It contributes to your general health by improving circulation and weight control. Anyone can do it! Physical activity can be built into everyday life Its never too late to start!

How can physical activity help prevent falls 33% adults over 65 and 50% over the age of 80 fall every year Strength based exercises help improve balance and coordination especially in frail older people Physical activity builds confidence which helps prevent fear of falls REMEMBER! Any activity is better than NO activity KEEP MOVING!

Where to get more advice If you have had a fall or think you are at risk; Contact your GP or health care professional for more advice or an assessment. Falls prevention programmes may be available for people at risk Get more advice from other organisations such as Age UK Alzheimer's society Carers Trust

Useful Contacts Age UK www.ageuk.org.uk Alzheimer's Society www.alzheimers.org.uk CLASP (Information for carers) National Osteoporosis association www.nos.org.uk Leicestershire County Council www.leics.gov.uk Leicester City Council www.leicester.gov.uk RNIB www.rnib.org.uk First Contact (Leicestershire) www.leics.gov.uk/firstcontact Adult social care Services Leicestershire www.leics.gov.uk Adult social care services Leicester www.leicester.gov.uk NHS Choices