Seniors encouraged to get physically active in NSW throughout April

As part of NSW’s April Falls Day – an annual event supported by the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network - older people in Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) are being encouraged to get physically active throughout April to help build their strength and maintain their independence.

April Falls Day may be an amusing play on words but the state-wide April Falls Day (which was held on 2nd April) and April Falls Month are serious business. These events are part of an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of falls and to promote the latest best practice falls prevention strategies.

Better Balance for Fall Prevention is the theme of this year's April Falls Day to encourage older adults to become more active and reduce falls.

To mark April Falls Day, SNSWLHD is launching 'Standing Strong', a new, locally developed falls and frailty prevention program for older adults. A pilot program is underway in Goulburn, and will be rolled out throughout the district in coming months.

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.

Professor Sherrington noted "as we get older, our bodies lose muscle strength and coordination, so the more active we remain, the better chance we have of maintaining our physical function.

"Improving strength and balance 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.

"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%."

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 local physical activity and healthy lifestyle programs, including fall prevention programs, visit the Active and Healthy exercise directory.