Live Stronger for Longer aims to reduce the economic, social, and personal impact falls have on older adults, their families and whānau, and their communities. This means reducing older adults’ risk of falling and getting a fracture if they fall.
Falls are the most common and costly cause of injury in people aged 65 years and over in New Zealand. 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.
Every older adult in New Zealand can attend a Community Strength and Balance class. You will benefit from participating in an approved strength and balance class delivered by a trained instructor. They also adjust exercises and set the pace to suit your ability.
Bramley Gardens is a gated community for older adults, and every Monday they host a Strength and Balance class, open to residents and non-residents. It is a 45 minute class, with a component of movement to music, as well as strength and balance exercises. Held in a lovely community hall, there are seated and standing exercises, and you can choose if you wish to do the whole class standing or sitting. Equipment will be used, which is provided by the instructor.