Each year, the Association of Directors of Public Health and the UK Falls Prevention Network mark one week in the calendar to raise awareness of the risk of falling among (especially older) people in the UK. As we mark Falls Prevention Week this year, here's a quick checklist of things you can do to become 'fall proof'.

Do simple home exercises to maintain strength and balance

There are quick and easy exercises you can do at home right now to increase your strength and reduce your risk of falling; these include balancing on one leg, seeing how many times you can stand up and sit down from the edge of a chair in 30 seconds, and repeatedly stepping up onto and back down from a step.

Get the correct footwear

The right footwear can go a long way in reducing the risk of slipping or falling. Properly fitted shoes and slippers, especially if they're light with a good grip, have a better chance of keeping you steady on your feet.

Fall proof your home

If there's one environment that you have the most control over when it comes to fall-proofing, it's your own home. You can make sure trip hazards are at a minimum by keeping your place free of trailing wires, rugs and other clutter, while also ensuring any walking aids in your home remain in good working condition.

Get regular health checks

A good way of keeping on top of your balance is to get routinely checked out by health professionals: regular hearing checks, an eye test every couple of years and a medication review every year all help to reduce the chance of falling.

Keep your body healthy

Maintaining a healthy body is the best way to remain strong and independent later in life. Make sure to drink enough liquids throughout the day (with the exception of alcohol, which should be drunk in moderation!), keep your bones strong with regular calcium and vitamin D, and regularly eat high protein foods to maintain your muscles.