The following information is being circulated on behalf of RoSPA

On the 30th occasion of the UN’s International Day of Older Persons, which is marked every year on October 1st, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is raising concerns about the links between experiencing a fall at home and fuel and food poverty in later life.

A spokesperson for RoSPA said:

“According to the NHS, around 1 in 3 adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls.


Poor nutrition, inadequate housing and general ill health increase the risk of having a fall and the likelihood of fall having serious or fatal consequences.”

 “The Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates that two million older people in the UK are living in poverty and frequently have to choose between ‘heating or eating’. Nutrition is related to many risk factors for falls, and has been shown to be a determining factor in not only the severity of injuries from falls, but also recovery time after the injury. Specifically, deficiencies in energy, protein and micronutrients can lead to falls due to the effect on strength, mobility and impact on both visual and cognitive impairment. A low body weight, due to malnutrition, can also increase the risk of a fall due to similar effects on muscle strength.

“It is gravely concerning to learn that each year between £2-3billion of Pension Credit is not being claimed by those eligible. Pension Credit often acts as a gateway benefit which allows easier access to other forms of support such as help with energy bills, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Relief.”

“If everyone who was entitled to Pension Credit received it, it would lift roughly 3/10 pensioners or 440,000 out of poverty. RoSPA supports Independent Age’s campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit as part of our falls prevention activity.

To find out more to check eligibility and how to claim Pension Credit see link below
Link to Pension Credit eligibility checker:

https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility

Please share this information with family, friends, and neighbours