Preventing falls for people over 65
As you get older, you're more likely to have a trip or fall. Many of these falls are preventable. Older adults are important to us, and our Live Stronger for Longer programme can help you live the life you want to live by reducing your risk of falling.
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How to download Nymbl
Preventing falls
We're committed to reducing falls for older adults in their homes and out in the community.
We want you to remain confident, healthy and independent. By improving bone health and strength and balance, you can:
- be more stable on your feet
- reduce the risk of an injury such as a fracture (broken bone)
- more likely to keep your independence
- be able to do the things you want to do.
Older adults are important to us, and our Live Stronger for Longer programme can help you live the life you want to live by reducing your risk of falling.
The more you do, the more you can do
Falls can happen, yet by keeping active, and steady on your feet, your strength increases, your balance improves, and your risk of falling and having an injury decreases. The more you do, the more you can do.
Currently, one in six New Zealanders are 65 and over. Around 30% of people aged 65 and over who live in the community will fall at least once a year and 10% to 20% will need hospitalisation.
Those over the age of 85 are 15 times more likely to fracture their hip in a fall than a 65-year-old. Hip fractures can have a huge impact, with 30% of those over 85 who suffer one requiring placement in aged residential care.
Live Stronger for Longer programme
The Live Stronger for Longer programme is brought to you by:
- ACC
- Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality and Safety Commission (HQSC)
- Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health
- local community health providers
- home carers
- community groups across the country.
Advice to help you stay free from falls
The Live Stronger for Longer website has practical information and advice on how to stay active, well and independent for over 65s and those caring for over 65s. It includes:
- finding and joining community strength and balance classes
- downloading and using the Nymbl app
- information on bone health treatments
- falls risk assessment information
- home safety checklist
- resources designed for over 65s.
Live Stronger for Longer website
Live Stronger for Longer resources
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