Fear of falling 'keeps older adults indoors'

New research has indicated many older adults stay indoors at home as they have a fear of falling if they go outside.

According to a study conducted by the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS), 225,000 people aged over 75 will not leave the house by themselves due to their fear.

Some 35 per cent of the respondents to the survey have fallen in the last two years with 32 per cent of those living alone suffering a fall in the last year.

More than a fifth of the older adults to take part who had suffered a fall in the last five years have lost their confidence as a result, it was found.

"The report highlights the devastating impact falls can have on the mental wellbeing of older people and how lack of confidence, as a result of falling or worrying about falling, can lead to isolation and loneliness," said the WRVS.

Figures from the body suggest that by 2030, there will be more than three million people over 85, up eight-fold since 1981.

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