A Scottish conference on falls prevention was brought to a standstill when a group of older people performed a flash mob dance to 80s Banarama pop hit ‘It Ain’t What You Do’.

The group, from one of North Lanarkshire Leisure’s strength and balance exercise classes, popped into the Falls Study Event for Occupational Therapists at Scottish Fire and Rescue West Headquarters to help promote the launch of a range of innovative digital tools, advice and information to help keep Scotland’s older generation steady on their feet.

Lianne McInally, falls advanced occupational therapist, said:  “Falls can result in serious injury and in some cases fatality.  Many people lose their confidence with everyday tasks following a fall so access to an occupational therapist is key.

“Occupational therapy protects older and vulnerable people by reducing the risk of falls and helping people carry out their daily occupations with confidence and safety. I work closely with other agencies and have been working with Scottish Fire and Rescue Services who are revising their home fire safety visits to include falls prevention.

The Falls Information Zone, has been created on Scotland’s national health information website NHS inform (www.nhsinform/falls).

The self assessment tool, care coordination diary and person held file have been developed as part of the SmartCare programme, led by NHS 24 Scottish Centre for Telehealth and Telecare and working in partnership with local health and care partnerships in Ayrshire & Arran, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.