PUBLIC Health Worcestershire has commissioned Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire to co-ordinate a series of ‘Strong and Steady’ exercise classes to help older people prevent falls.
Experts say continuing to take part in physical activity in later life is important and strength and balance training remains an effective intervention to reduce the number of falls.
The sessions are for anyone who has had a fall or feels unsteady on their feet. Falls often impact people’s confidence and ability to live independently, and in the over 65s they are the most frequent type of accident.
The aim of the classes is to help improve balance and strength and so increase confidence in becoming more active. They also have an added bonus of building friendships and overcoming loneliness.
Rachael Leslie, Consultant in Public Health said: “These classes are a superb opportunity not only to help those at risk of falls, but also to improve their confidence so they can live independently for longer.
“The sessions also raise awareness of the very serious issue of falls prevention, and the information and activities on offer will hopefully help many people maintain and improve their quality of life.”
The classes will be held in community venues across the county. So far in the past four years, over 3,000 people have joined the classes.
The service is managed by the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, who work in partnership with Redditch and Bromsgrove councils.
For more information contact the class co-ordinator on 01905 855498, or email [email protected].
Alternatively visit www.sportspartnershiphw.co.uk/strong-and-steady
