Better Balance for Fall Prevention is the theme of this year’s April Falls Day. The annual event to encourage older adults to become more active and reduce falls, is recognised on April 1 and supported by the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network.
In Far West LHD, an April Falls Day information display will be in the Broken Hill Health Service foyer (from Monday, 3 April) giving the public and health staff an opportunity to learn about falls prevention, better balance training and receive some free merchandise! Training and awareness of falls prevention with staff will also be held throughout the District’s health facilities.
Richard Shoebridge, FWLHD Clinical Nurse Specialist for Dementia and Falls, said that the COVID-19 pandemic changed routines, often leading to a more sedentary lifestyle for many older adults.
“We know there are a lot of benefits to being active, and it is especially important for older Australians to exercise and keep their bodies strong, as this will help reduce their risk of falls,” said Mr Shoebridge.
NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network Lead Advisor, Professor Cathie Sherrington said staying physically active is the single most important thing people can do to stay independent as they age.
“During ageing, our bodies lose muscle strength and coordination, so the more active we remain, the better chance we have of maintaining our physical function,” Professor Sherrington said.
“Improving strength and balance allows us to complete regular daily activities more easily, including getting up and down stairs, in and out of cars, negotiating uneven surfaces and reducing the risk of falling.
Senior Principal Research Scientist at NeuRA and President of the Australian & New Zealand Falls Prevention Society Professor Kim Delbaere said: “Older people benefit from regular tai chi, group exercise programs, gym sessions, community-based falls prevention programs such as Stepping On, or simple exercises at home to improve muscle strength and balance.”
“Research has also shown that regular exercise can reduce falls in older people by 23 per cent, but slowly building up high-challenge balance exercises can increase the effects of exercise by up to 40 per cent.”
The Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) has collaborated with the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network to produce a range of April Falls resources for patients, families, carers and health staff and fall prevention information is available on the CEC website. To find a local exercise group that includes balance and strength exercises, visit the NSW Active and Healthy website: https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/
