Have you fallen recently? Or know someone who has? We tend to associate falling with elderly frail people
However, according to the NHS, falls are a common, but often overlooked, cause of injury 
And it doesn’t just happen to the frail and elderly!
Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 (which really isn’t that old!) and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year 
Dr Attia was discussing on a recent podcast, how fragility and lack of strength can impact our lives the older we get and he had this to say:
“The ratio increases massively as we enter our 60s and 70s, due to a higher loss of function…Once you hit the age of 65, if you fall, and you break your hip or your femur – your long bone in your leg – there is a 15-30 per cent chance you will be dead within the next 12 months.”
Obviously not all falls cause serious injuries, but it can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn, and feel as if they have lost their independence 
They feel nervous about doing exercise or activities that they once did, and then without even realising it, they move much less and then become even more injury prone, it effects their mental health and it’s a downward spiral from there 
If you have Osteoporosis or Osteopenia, breaking a bone is a real concern, but you can do things to help prevent falls and strengthen your bones 
Watch this space! 
Have tripped or fallen recently?
Is this a concern and hadn’t actually realised you were worried about it?
Polly Turnill 
Leave a comment