A HOSPITAL offered safety advice aimed at preventing falls among old people.

An exhibition to make the elderly more aware of the risks and what they could do to prevent accidents was held at St Luke's Hospital, Crosland Moor.

Falls are the most frequent and serious type of accident among the over-65s. About a third will fall at least once every 12 months.

The exhibition was held to show how falls can happen and what can be done to avoid them.

Patients, staff and other members of the public went to visit an information stand outside the hospital, where posters and leaflets were displayed.

Visitors could ask for advice from specialist nurses and find out more about accidents in the home and other risk factors to be aware of.

Falls are common among the elderly, but at any time of life a fall can cause serious injury and loss of mobility and independence.

Falls can also have considerable psychological effects, which can often be more damaging than physical injury.

The fear of falls reduces people's confidence and can lead to isolation and depression.

Krystyna Spyrka, a sister in the hospital's rehabilitation unit who helped organise the event, said people must watch out for uneven flooring, loose carpets, cluttered furniture and not enough lighting in order to stay as safe as possible within the home.

She added: "Try to stay active and eat foods with vitamin D and calcium in them to keep your bones strong. Be particularly careful on the stairs and check that your shoes or slippers fit well."