Yes, you read the headline right – and yes it is also April Fools Day.
The NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network is supporting the Better Balance for Fall Prevention theme for April Falls Day – an April 1 annual event to encourage older adults to become more active and reduce falls.
The Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) is encouraging people over the age of 65 to ease into more physical activity as part of April Falls Day to help reduce the risk of a fall and maintain strength and independence.
An April Falls Day information display will be in the Broken Hill Health Service foyer from Monday April 3, giving both the public and health staff an opportunity to learn about falls prevention, better balance training, and to receive some free merchandise. Training and awareness of falls prevention with staff will also be held throughout the District’s health facilities.
Senior Principal Research Scientist at NeuRA, and President of the Australian & New Zealand Falls Prevention Society, Professor Kim Delbaere, suggests that 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,” she said.
Richard Shoebridge, FWLHD Clinical Nurse Specialist for Dementia and Falls, said that the Covid 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.
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.
To find a local exercise group that includes balance and strength exercises, visit the NSW Active and Healthy website: activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au
For April Falls resources, visit: https://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au/aprilfalls/
For Fall prevention information, go to: https://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/keep-patients-safe/older-persons-patient-safety-program/falls-prevention
