Age UK and the National Osteoporosis Society are establishing the new Falls and Fractures Alliance in England. By working together, members of the Alliance will be better placed to achieve common goals of reducing the rate of hospital admissions for hip fractures and falls-related injuries among older people. These ambitions are Department of Health policy and are set out in its Public Health Outcomes Framework for 2013-16.
Graham tried on an 'osteoporosis suit’ that uses a system of harnesses, braces and bands to allow the wearer to experience the physical impact of the condition. It imitates a spinal stoop caused by compression fractures, along with other restrictions in movement and instability commonly experienced by people with severe osteoporosis who can suffer multiple fragility fractures. It was demonstrated by the National Osteoporosis Society policy team, who described feeling vulnerable and fearful of falling.
Graham said: “The Falls and Fractures Declaration demonstrates how the National Osteoporosis Society and Age UK are taking the lead with this growing problem of falls and fragility fractures. It is hard to imagine how difficult life must be with this debilitating illness and I am very pleased at the positive steps that are being made to help people cope. By working together, we can prevent fragility fractures and we can save lives and money.'
