A series of seminars to inform the elderly and their relatives what they could do to avoid falls were launched today, with the first such seminar at the Zejtun Home for the Elderly.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly Mario Galea said that it was very easy to fall and when an elderly fell, the complications could be various, especially if they were over 65. Some even died.

He said he personally fell on Maundy Thursday last year while fiddling with his mobile telephone and walking to the Capuchin’s church in Floriana.

Mr Galea said he slipped, the phone went flying and he skidded a few metres into the church.

He got up and realised the implications only afterwards because he was very badly bruised. Had he been an elderly person, the fall could have had serious repercussions.

Mr Galea said that complications emanating from falls include that the elderly become bedridden with the possibility of getting thrombosis or pneumonia.

A booklet compiled by the multi disciplinary team Falls Prevention Task Force, outlining ways to reduce falls, such as removing wires crossing rooms and using liquid instead of hard soap, is being distributed in health centres, hospitals and homes for the elderly.