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About 15% of the south eastern Sydney and Illawarra population are aged over 65 years, and this number is increasing. Each year, one in three people over 65 years living in the community fall, with women falling more often than men. Once a person has had a fall, the likelihood of them falling again increases. A serious fall injury can result in long-term hospitalisation, loss of independence and the need for supported care and – in some cases – premature death.
Exercise that increases strength, bone mass and flexibility, develops balance and quickens reaction helps to reduce the likelihood of having a fall and also lessens the severity should a fall occur.
Over the next five years our Falls Prevention Team aim to:
- increase the percentage of older people who are physically active.
- reduce the percentage of older people who have more than one risk factor for a fall.
- improve the physical environment to reduce falls.
Examples of our work towards these aims include:
Promoting exercise for older adults
The Health Promotion Service part funds and promotes gentle exercise classes as well as supporting local walking groups, a Fitness Leaders Network and a rural falls prevention project. Each year we offer older people three free classes to encourage them to join an on-going exercise group as part of our 'Make a Move' campaign.
Pedometers in cardiac rehabilitation
Health Promotion research into the usefulness of pedometers ('step counters') for cardiac rehabilitation patients is likely to result in this becoming standard practice. In the study, patients who wore pedometers were more likely to reach their physical activity goals. Research into the use of pedometers with individuals diagnosed with, or at risk of, type 2 diabetes is also being analysed.
We also work closely with the Heart Foundation's 'Heartmoves' program to encourage patients with stable heart conditions to become active through joining a supervised exercise program.
Physical activity directory
We have developed an interactive list of physical activities appropriate for older adults including gentle exercise, dancing, weight training and walking groups. Health professionals can refer their older adult clients to suitable activities by searching the directory by suburb or preferred activity.
More information
For more information on the Health Promotion Service fall prevention projects, please contact us.
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