Falls Prevention is everyone’s business is the theme of this year’s April Falls Month, which is an annual event supported by the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network to encourage older adults to become more active and reduce falls.
Across the WNSWLHD a range of programs such as Community Exercise, Aqua Fitness, Stepping On, DanceWise and DanceMoves are well underway across 36 towns, promoting movement and activity, as well as social interaction among older people.
In the lead-up to April Falls Month, the WNSWLHD Health Promotion team co-designed a 'guide to age well and prevent falls' which is targeted at rural communities in the District. This resource is open for consultation and feedback through the Engage Western NSW Platform, and people are encouraged to provide their input.
NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network Lead Advisor Professor Cathie Sherrington said staying physically active is the single most important thing we can do to stay independent as we age.
“During ageing, our bodies change, losing muscle strength and coordination so the more active we remain, the better chance we have of maintaining our physical function,” Prof Sherrington said.
Improving balance and strength in our legs 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.
If older people are feeling unsteady on their feet or are having eyesight changes or pain in their feet seeing specialists such as a physiotherapist for balance and strength testing, an optometrist for vision changes and a podiatrist to reduce foot pain can help to maintain independence.
People are encouraged to see their GP or regular doctor for any worrying issues and for referrals to other health practitioners.
Falls prevention is everyone’s business and research has shown that regular exercise can reduce falls in older people by 23 per cent. Importantly, slowly building up high-challenge balance exercises can increase the effects of exercise by up to 40 per cent,” Prof Sherrington said.
For the most up-to-date information on Healthy Ageing in Western NSW, please visit Staying Safe and Healthy in Western NSW.
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. https://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au/aprilfalls/.
Fall Prevention information is also 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/
