Slipper Socials are being held across York, offering anyone aged 60 or over free slippers. A well-fitting pair have been shown to reduce the risk of older people falling by 60%.
The next Slipper Social and Information Fair is on Friday 19 September, 10.30am-12.30pm at the Folk Hall in New Earswick. York Older People’s Assembly are running the event with 20 partner organisations coming to support older people in the city.
The following Slipper Socials will run on:
2 October, 10.00am – 12.00pm – St Sampson’s Centre, Church Street
22 October, 10.30 – 12.30pm – The Rawcliffe Rec, St Mark’s Grove
6 November, 11.30am – 1.30pm – Planet Food at Southlands Church, Bishopthorpe Road.
As part of their work to prevent falls, the Council has assessed 750 customers. Besides giving them tailored advice, the Falls Prevention Service made minor improvements with big impacts to around 370 homes with our joiner carrying out the free jobs there and then. These included fitting extra banisters or grab rails, replacing light bulbs or tacking down loose carpets.
Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:
“Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing. Well-fitting footwear such as we’re giving at these Slipper Socials, and regular exercise can help maintain strength, balance and mobility. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference, including drinking enough and eating well, and keeping active can reduce your risk of falling.”
