WHEN I appeared as Olive in the TV sitcom, On the Buses, we tried to show the lighter side of bus travel, but for some older people getting on and off a bus is no laughing matter.

New research from Age Concern and Help the Aged shows that nearly two million older people are concerned about falling on a bus – and falling is a leading cause of death for over-75s and a cause of painful injuries.

As today marks National Falls Awareness Day, sponsored by Abbey, I’d like to highlight ways to avoid falling on buses.

Use the handles on the passenger doors to steady yourself when stepping on and off. If you are having difficulty, ask the driver to lower the floor; ask other passengers for a priority seat; don’t feel rushed to sit down – ask the driver to wait until you are seated; if necessary, ask the driver to give you time to leave the bus safely; stay seated until the bus stops.

Age Concern and Help the Aged is also working to raise awareness among bus companies. Examples of how groups are lobbying companies to improve safety can be found at helptheaged.org.uk/fallsday

Anna Karen, On Behalf of Age Concern England and Help the Aged.