Spearheaded by Age UK and supported locally by Wokingham Borough Council, National Falls Awareness week gives an opportunity for everyone to find out more about falls prevention and take part in activities to reduce their risk of falling.

Wokingham Falls Group with the SHINE (Some Health Improvements Need Exercise) and Steady Steps teams at the council have arranged various activities throughout the week, to promote the simple things we can all do to reduce our risk of falling: T’ai Chi in the park, archery, pilates in the park and Nordic walking, plus information sessions outside Boots Opticians in Wokingham and Woodley – all aimed at spreading the message!

Older people’s champion Cllr Bob Wyatt said: "Wokingham Borough Council has always taken a positive approach to health and wellbeing and these events are a great way to encourage everyone to get involved."

Although many factors contribute to falls, it has been shown that problems with vision are among the most important. Poor sight can cause difficulty with spotting hazards and obstacles, getting up and down steps and negotiating uneven ground. Eyesight problems can also affect our balance, coordination and mobility.

Many people do not realise that anyone over 60 is entitled to free eye tests and that they should have their eyesight checked at least every two years. It is estimated that 30% of people over 75 have visual problems due to wearing the wrong glasses – or no glasses at all.