before medical attention is obtained. Educating elderly people should alert them to these
             dangers, and they should be encouraged to attend regular medicals. Finally, the vestibular
             system degenerates leading to an unstable gait, increasing the risk of falling (Ochs et al.,
             1985). Even small falls are serious, as osteoporosis is more frequent, increasing the risk of
             fracture. 30% of people aged over 65 fell at least once in the preceding year (Campbell et
             al., 1981) and 82% of deaths from falls occur in this age group (OPCS, 1991a). Fear of
             falling can lead to restrictions in physical and social activities, and those who do fall and
             incur injury may be unable to care for themselves, leading to a dependence on family
             members or institutionalisation (Bhala et al., 1982). The risk of falling can, however, be
             ...