More than half the elderly residents in Bognor have fallen over

The large number of those at risk of injuries or death from tumbling was revealed in a survey carried out in the town centre on Friday.

Paul Knight, West Sussex County Council's health adviser for older people, said: "Though really just a snapshot, these figures definitely indicate falls are common among older people, bearing in mind those who are housebound were excluded from this survey.

"In addition, it was very surprising to discover such a large majority of those questioned thought falling was an inevitable part of ageing, which is most certainly not the case."

A total of 102 older people were interviewed. Of those, 58 people '“ or 56 per cent '“ had recently fallen. Those who thought falls could not be prevented totalled 64, or 62 per cent.

Mr Knight said injuries caused by falls were the biggest cause of death among the over-75s and nearly every hip fracture '“ 95 per cent '“ resulted from a fall.

He added: "Most falls are easily preventable. They can be caused at home by hazards such as loose fittings like rugs and carpets. Exercise can also lower the risk of falls outside. There is exercise to increase strength and, like tai chi, to increase balance."

The awareness session was staged by the Arun community partnership team to which the county council belongs, along with West Sussex NHS Primary Care Trust, the Department of Work and Pensions, Age Concern West Sussex, 4Sight and the Alzheimer's Society.

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