Falls Prevention Support
Falls are a major cause of disability and the leading cause of mortality due to injury in older people aged over 75 in the UK. However, the effects are not only physical, a fall can have a serious psychological effect on older people, robbing them of their independence and leading to increased isolation.
Thankfully there are many things that can be done to prevent falls from happening. Strength, flexibility, balance and reaction times are considered the most readily modifiable risk factors for falls.
Locally Age UK Somerset offer Strong and Steady sessions, specially developed classes that help to improve strength and balance. They can give you greater confidence, reduce the risk of having a fall and help you to stay independent as you get older.
Age UK Somerset offers two tiers of Strong and Steady classes, so you can participate at a level that is right for you.
The ‘Stay Strong Stay Steady’ (Otago) exercise programme is designed specifically to prevent falls, consisting of leg muscle strengthening, balance retraining exercises (progressing in difficulty) and a walking plan.
Age UK Somerset also offer a new 16 week programme called ‘Get Strong Get Steady‘ which is aimed at those with more advanced mobility conditions and is the perfect precursor to the ‘Stay Strong Stay Steady’ classes.
Please note: Before you can join a session Age UK Somerset will ask you to complete a short health questionnaire/referral form.
Contact the Falls Prevention team
Call: 01823 345614
Email: fallsprevention@ageuksomerset.org.uk
Visit the Age UK Somerset website for further information
