Preventing falls

Falls are the most common cause of injury for seniors, but they are a not a normal part of ageing.
The good news is that you can help prevent falls.

Age Concerns offer programmes to maintain and improve mobility, strength and balance.

• Tai Chi
• Steady As You Go
• Sit and be fit
• Falls prevention home visits

Step Ahead

The Step Ahead falls prevention programme is a dynamic, interactive course covering the prevention of falls for older people living independently.

The course is made up of four weekly sessions and is designed to cover home and community safety, and includes Exercise and Balance, Stress Management, Managing Medicines, Relaxation, and Goal Setting, all of which help older people to stay on their feet.

Tai Chi / Modified Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art consisting of a series of slow, gentle, continuous movements. It is particularly suitable for older people as it helps develop stronger muscles and better balance and concentration.

Steady As You Go

The Steady As You Go falls prevention programme includes once-weekly strength and balance classes, or twice-weekly Tai Chi.

Local services

Northern

• Age Concern Rodney: Step Ahead

• Age Concern North Shore: Step Ahead

• Age Concern Auckland: Step Ahead

• Age Concern Counties Manukau: Step Ahead

Midland

• Age Concern Taranaki: Falls prevention home visits and referral to local falls prevention programmes

Central

• Age Concern Napier: Tai Chi, Sit and be fit

• Age Concern Wairoa: Tai Chi

• Age Concern Hastings: Sit and be fit classes

• Age Concern Havelock North: Sit and be fit classes

Southern

• Age Concern Otago: Steady As You Go and Tai Chi programmes

Resources

More information on local services is available in our local Age Concerns listings.

> VISIT  the ACC's pages on Falls Prevention for more information and resources.

Briefing to the Minister of Health

• Read our information for Hon Tony Ryall. > DOWNLOAD

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