Falls and fall-related injuries are a common and serious problem for older adults. People aged 65 and older have the highest risk of falling, with 30% of people older than 65 and 50% of people older than 80 falling at least once a year. The HIN is currently working to improve vision screening alongside informing older adults of the importance of strength and balance exercise to prevent falls.
Poor vision is a major factor in contributing to falls in people aged over 65 years. The HIN is working with Merton Community Falls Service, London Eye Health Network, Thomas Pocklington Trust, Age UK and the College of Optometrists to produce a simple guide that any older adults service or organisations in contact with older adults can use to identify poor vision, and reduce the risk of falls.
For more information, please contact Aileen Jackson at aileen.jackson@nhs.net
