Fear of falls 'keeps old indoors'

Many older people will not leave home by themselves because they fear falling over, according to a new report.

A survey of 500 people over the age of 75 by the WRVS showed that more than a third had suffered a fall in the past two years.

One in five of those injured in a fall in the past five years has lost their confidence, it found.

David McCullough, chief executive of WRVS, said: "These are bleak findings. With winter approaching, older people have little confidence to get out and about because they fear they will fall and, as this research shows, the psychological effects of worrying about a fall can be as debilitating and devastating as physical injuries."