Thu, 14 June 2012
The council is supporting an event to help lower the number of people injured through falls in the borough.
Hounslow Age UK is running an event during Falls Awareness Week (18-22 June) to highlight the issue of falls, and offer practical advice to help prevent them.
Falls are the biggest issue the London Ambulance Service respond to in the borough with 1,375 calls between January and April this year.
Cllr Gurmail Lal, Hounslow's lead member for adult social care and health, said: "Falls are the most frequent and serious type of accident for people over the age of 65, and they can lead to a long period of illness, destroy self-confidence and lead to isolation and less independence.
"However, it’s not all doom and gloom as there are many things that can be done to help avoid a fall happening in the first place.
"Physical activity is also extremely helpful in keeping people more mobile as well as helping them recover more quickly if they do fall.
"I really hope that as many people as possible take this opportunity to come along and find out more about preventing a fall, as well as having fun in the process."
The event takes place on Thursday, 21 June, at Age UK Hounslow, Alexander House, Albany Road, Brentford. Among the attractions, visitors will get advice on exercise, balance, diet and free foot massages. Places are limited so people should book by calling 020 8560 6969.