Helping Older People to Stay Fit, Healthy and Independent on Falls Awareness Day

Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds PCT (Primary Care Trust) helped older people to get active on this year's Falls Awareness Day.

On Tuesday 24th June, three older people's networks from across the city visited Headingley Carnegie Cricket Ground to take part in a series of activities, aimed at preventing falls.

The PCT provided an Extend taster session, a form of exercise specifically designed to help improve fitness levels, increase mobility and promote independence. The classes stimulate physical and mental health, improve strength, stamina, posture and also help co-ordination.

A Tai Chi demonstration was also held, which taught gentle movements that have been proven to help with balance and body awareness.

In addition, Yorkshire County Cricket Club coaches gave a "Kwik Cricket" session, featuring top tips that the professionals use in order to stay on top of their game.

The sessions took place in the Bradford and Bingley Indoor Cricket Centre, where a number of stalls providing information and advice on other useful services were also set up. Guests were also treated to lunch and a tour of Headingley's prestigious ground.

Alison Giles, Community Marketing Manager for Yorkshire County Cricket Club commented: "The event was a huge success and we really hope we have helped some of the older people in our community to keep fit and active and to have fun while doing so. It was great to see all the older people taking part and they all had a fantastic day and especially enjoyed the tour."

Amanda Douglas, Service Development Manager for Older People said: "Exercise is vital for older people to improve their well-being, build their confidence and help prevent social isolation. Falling doesn't have to be an inevitable part of growing older and on Falls Awareness Day we hope to provide information and advice on the services the PCT and other organisations can offer, to help older people stay healthy and happy."

If you would like more information regarding the Falls Awareness Event please contact Alison Giles on 0113 203 3620 or email agiles@yorkshireccc.com.

• Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people over 75 in the UK.

• Over 85 per cent of all fatal falls are in people over the age of 65.

• About one third of people aged 65 and over and more than half of the over 85's will fall at least once a year.

• Between 5 and 10 % of falls result in injury requiring medical attention.

• Every 5 hours someone dies after an accidental fall in the home.