Share your tips for avoiding trips and falls as you get older - £300 voucher to be won NOW CLOSED

Keeping as fit, supple and active as possible makes the likelihood of falling lower. And also taking extra care when going down steps. Allowing plenty of time to get to appointments so as not to have to rush places helps too.

Always hold the bannister when climbing up and down stairs, wear good quality slippers and shoes. When on the buses never leave your seat till the bus has completely stopped.

removing clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpet

Slow down so you gave time to think. Keep active and this will help keep muscles strong. Get your eyes tested regularly. Wear shoes that fit, stay on your feet and feel comfortable. Hold someone's arm when out and about. Stand up slowly when you have been sitting for a while.

I've ditched the slippers as they were always a problem for me! I wear comfy but well fitted boots around the house which are great! I'm alot more careful than I used to be as well, slowing down and trying not to get distracted! I like to keep pretty active. My Grandad who is now 100 was still going for short walks 3 times a day until about 98, got to keep on moving and keep that body working as long as possible!

Take care with mats and rugs. They are easily tripped over. Best not to have them.

Moving slower generally and also always keeping an eye out for trip hazards

Be aware a tall times.

Don't rush and take your time. Keep floors clear of and hazards and be extra vigilant if you have pets. I've definitely had a few near misses when I've turned around to find the cats st my feet!

Wear decent quality boots or shoes which will give you a better grip particularly on slippery surfaces.

I always have bare feet in the house, no slipper trippers for me (but we do have underfloor heating)

Take everything at a sedate pace...the only time I have fallen was when I was rushing.
Keeping floor areas clear so there aren't any trip hazards is a good safety measure.

Always hold the handrail when walking down stairs, don't have rugs in areas you walk and avoid storing items on the ground

Sounds daft - but slippers - never used to wear them, just socks, but the grip they provide helps a lot

Clear away the unnecessary rugs. Wear rubber sole shoes and do not climb chairs.

I think it is a good idea to get in the habit of not leaving anything on the floor that can be tripped over, an abandoned slipper is a prime example of this. Also have hand rails wherever possible, good lighting, no loose carpet or mats.

Simple, just slow down, there's no need to run or rush really, it's never that important.

Wearing solid strong shoes when walking the dog helps me to keep from falling; it's also important to check pavements are even. The ones in our village are broken and uneven, and it's easy to slip.

Some medications can also make you dizzy, abd it's best to check with the pharmacist or GP before trying anything new.

It's easy to miss a step or lose balance, and it makes common sense to have regular eye and hearing checks, as loss of hearing can affect balance.

Many falls happen in the home, and it helps to keep the home well lit and free of clutter, checking for any trailing wires.

A fall can happen to anyone, but it's best to allow yourself a little extra time to do things when getting older.

my fall was down some stairs and it happened because I was wearing old slippers which did not fit properly and had stretched and had little if any grip. So my tip would be buy some decent footwear that fastens snugly around your foot so you are safer going down and up stairs, and around the house. With good shoes you have better contact with the floor and less likely to land on it, and please slow down, more haste less speed. And merry christmas.

I suffer from lots of falls so I keep my phone in a case on a string around my neck all the time so I can call my neighbour if I need help to get up. They have a spare key but I also have a key safe so that if paramedics need to get in they can get in without getting someone to break in. I had a serious fall in 2004 & had to drag myself through the house to let them in, my foot was hanging down like a hand from the end of my leg but I had no choice but to do it so I'm now prepared

It is so easy to slip over in the shower, so always make sure that you have a rubber bath mat in place to prevent tripping and nasty falls.

Looking where you put your feet and taking your time. I have too many mis-haps through rushing. Sometimes by standing on something to reach a high cupboard and not making sure I plant my firm centrally and firmly. Also, I have to stick to good flat footwear these days.

I live in a bungalow so that's a bonus! But don't drink too much alcohol and wear sensible shoes!!

Keep all areas in the home well lit especially stairs don't wear slippers with an open back,don't use rugs that do not stay firmly fixed.Going outside wear well fitting shoes or boots with a flat heel and good grip and take extra care if icy out.Always use the hand rail when using stairs.If you feel unsteady or dizzy rest for a while and try again later and take it slowly it is never a good idea to rush.

Never put things on the stairs. I used to do this a lot, saying to myself that I'll take it up later. This would result in loads of stuff up one side of the stairs always ready but never getting moved. I've nearly broken my neck a few times.