accepting I'm ageing

Fennel: I’m so sorry about your fall. It’s really upsetting, isn’t it? I have had several falls myself and eventually had a knee replacement as a result of cumulative bashes on my knee. I am extremely careful wherever I go and try not to rush. I don’t use a stick, because I am always carrying stuff and haven't got a spare hand but I do hang on to my husband if I am with him. Have you had a look to see if there are any Age Concern classes in your area? There are two different ones in our village and they are designed to help with flexibility and balance. They are subsidised - one costs £2.50 for 45 minutes and the other one is £4 for an hour. Everyone who goes is getting on a bit. I should say that some are well into their 80s and everyone copes fine. The £4 class is mainly sitting down with some standing balance exercises and the other is a bit more strenuous. I can certainly feel the benefit and feel much more confident with my balance. Going to the classes gives you ideas of exercises you can do at home and you meet new people too. Why not have a look on the AgeConcern website and see if there any in your area?

Have you thought about why you have been prone to falling? Do you need your eyesight checked? Are you having dizzy spells? Would a walking aid help with stability? It's worth looking at reasons why, and ways to remedy the situation if possible. Keeping yourself indoors after dark has got to be the last resort

The main reason for my falls seems to be to do with my left foot/leg. I need to learn to pick that foot up off the ground with each step. Not exactly hopping, but similar.
I have an appt with the GP next week (something else) and will ask advice.

Good luck at the GP Fennel Hope you get some positive advice.

I hope your knee is OK after the fall Fennel.

My mother, who used to walk to the shops every day in her 70s tripped and fell whilst out shopping. The cause was an uneven paving stone but all the same, I got a call whilst at work to tell me she had been taken to A&E. She was 79 when it happened.

She did lose her confidence then and didn't go out on her own much after that..

I do hope you can find ways to remain independent and enjoy the outdoors Fennel. Ageing is a bugger but well done you for wanting to keep active for as long as you possibly can.

Thanks again everyone. For some reason the pain in my knee suddenly got better (fingers crossed. ) I'm still using an elastic bandage.
Maybe it was a small piece of bone or cartilage that was dislodged and went back into place?
I bought a walking stick yesterday. I'm only going to use it in risky places.

Up to now, TG I've been ok with the stick, but still very tense and anxious when out walking.
I had a chat with a friend this pm and she uses a walking aid which consists of a frame with 3 wheels, handles, and a shopping bag attached. You have to go to your doctor or health centre and ask for a home assessment. Then they suggest a suitable walking aid. Provided by the NHS.
Has anyone ever done this?

Fennel - my husband was given a rollator by Social Services, as he has a history of falls and the Physio did not think a stick would be appropriate for him. The GP recommended him initially, he now walks with confidence both in and outdoors. I do hope you pursue it as I am sure it will be of great benefit to you.

Thanks Billybob - I made an appt. with the Dr. today for an assessment.

Fennel, I was just going to add my voice to the previous recommendations to go to see your GP. Every area has a Falls Clinic (though those classes run by Age Concern sound very sociable!), and your GP will check that everything is fine physically before referring you on for help. I do hope you find your confidence again - you sound determined!
Good luck!

Fingers crossed for you Fennel, once my husbands confidence returned he was raring to go. Considering every time he had a fall he broke a bone he is doing well. Good luck please post as to how you are getting on. I know this may sound obvious but remove any rugs in the house and make sure your slippers are well fitting.

Fennel last year I had a couple of falls while being out walking on the pavement in day light. Din't feel lightheaded or anything. I started feeling uneasy about being out and about. I did change my footwear to sturdy boots in the winter and comfy well strapped up sandals in the summer and (touch wood) I haven't had any more falls. But yes as others have suggested would make sense to contact your GP for advice.