You may think it won’t happen to you, but the risk of falling increases as you get older. One in three 65-year-olds will fall in any given year, and by the age of 85 that increases to one in two.

The long-term risks of falling can be serious: hospitalisation or even death.

Some of the risk factors for falling are hard to control – things like deteriorating eyesight and hearing, side effects of some medications, and conditions like arthritis and strokes.

However, there are some risk factors you can modify, including your strength and balance. Age Concern Otago’s falls prevention programme Steady As You Go© is a proven way of improving both.

Steady As You Go© is a fun and social exercise programme specifically designed for older people. The gentle sessions progressively increase balance and muscle mass.

falls are preventable and are not a natural part of ageing

Steady As You Go© has been evaluated by University of Otago researchers. They found the classes improved physical function, reduced the risk of falls, were fun, improved a sense of wellbeing and confidence, and provided links with other people in the neighbourhood. Join a Steady As You Go© class to increase:

Independence
Balance and balance confidence
Leg strength
Flexibility
Spatial awareness
Wellbeing
General fitness
Social connections
Tasks in everyday life

Originally developed in Dunedin by Age Concern Otago in 2003, today over 4500 people participate in the classes across Aotearoa – and Dunedin now has 48 neighbourhood classes in 27 suburbs, with 16 in rural Otago townships!

Find your local class on the SAYGo page or get in touch with Margaret Dando QSM on 03 479 3052 or margaret@ageconcernotago.co.nz