Many people reject the idea that they’re at risk of falling, but here are six reasons you should take action to prevent falls as you age:

1. 1 in 3 people over 65 fall every year.

2. This ratio increases to 1 in 2 for people over 85.

3. Approximately 4000 Kiwis fall and break a hip annually.

4. Falls are the most common cause of injury in older people.

5. The physical impacts of a fall can be very serious:

   • hip fractures, head injuries, hospitalisation, early admission to residential care, and in some cases, mortality

6. The psychological impacts of a fall can also be very serious:

   • loss of confidence, fear and anxiety, PTSD, restriction of physical and social activities, increased frailty, psychological distress, isolation, and depression

We're here to promote the positive benefits of exercise programmes on health, wellbeing, and independence.

Falls are preventable and are not a natural part of ageing. Join a Steady As You Go© class today to improve your strength and balance!

For more information

Go to our page on Falls prevention or contact your nearest Age Concern Otago centre to learn about the exercise groups running in your area.

Research evidence behind Steady As You Go©

• Fall-Related Injuries in a Cohort of Community-Dwelling Older Adults Attending Peer-Led Fall Prevention Exercise Classes.

• Evaluation of a Peer-Led Falls Prevention Program for Older Adults.

• Long-Term Participation in Peer-Led Fall Prevention Classes Predicts Lower Fall Incidence.

• The Use of Peer-Led Community-Based Programs to Promote Healthy Ageing.

• Community Peer-Led Exercise Groups: Reasons for Success.

For the full articles, contact Debra Waters: debra.waters@otago.ac.nz