For older Australians, the social and personal impact of a fall can be enormous, especially when the fall results in mobility-related disability and a sudden loss of independence.
‘Stepping On’ is a free program for over 65s to help prevent falls in older people that gets underway for seven weeks at Campsie Library on Wednesdays, 10am-12pm, from February 15 until March 29, with a follow up session on May 24.
The program is interactive and is designed to build knowledge and confidence to help you stay active and independent.
“It includes information from experts on various falls risk factors including home hazard awareness, safe footwear, getting up after a fall, nutrition and bone health, moving safely in the community and medication management,” a spokesperson said.
“Participants will also practise gentle exercises to help improve leg strength and balance so they’ll be able to step outside with confidence.”
The program is not suitable for people who can not participate in a group or who use a walking frame in their home.
Registrations are essential at halo.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/stepping-on or call 1800 55 774.
If you have a question or need further info, call 9515 9063.
Free program helping prevent falls
FALLS and fractures are a leading cause of hospitalisation in seniors, with one-third of people over 65, and one-in-two people over 80, experiencing a major fall each year.