As we get older, we are at greater risk of falling. Some of the main reasons for this include weakening muscles and stiffening joints, side effects of medication, sensory and balance problems, vision difficulties and poor diet.
Short-term illnesses such as flu or recovering from surgery can also temporarily increase your risk of falling.
One in four people aged over 60 have at least one fall per year, and this increases to one in three over 65.
If we do fall, this can have serious consequences, particularly if our bone density is low. Falls can result in fractures, cuts, damage to teeth and even serious head and brain injuries.
Even when there is no serious injury, falls can frighten people to the point where they avoid activities they previously enjoyed.
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