Programme supports independence for the elderly

WDHB director of nursing Sandy Blake says falls are one of the main reason older people move into care. Photo/ File

A new programme aimed at helping older people stay independent has been endorsed by the Whanganui District Health Board.

Live Stronger for Longer is led by ACC, the Ministry of Health and the Health Quality & Safety Commission (HQSC) and posters, booklets and pamphlets will be distributed by WDHB throughout the district over the next fortnight.

WDHB's senior portfolio manager for health of older people Andrea Bunn said the programme provided valuable tips for avoiding trips, slips, falls and how people can fall-proof their home.

It also talks about engaging in strength and balance exercises.

"Making sure we all exercise, eat the right food and take the right medications to preserve and ideally improve bone strength, is something we should all do no matter what our age," Mrs Bunn said.

Each year one in three people aged 65 and over will fall and that increases to half of people over 80.

"While it's true that as people grow older, underlying conditions or problems with balance, strength or mobility do increase their risk of falling, it's also important to note that many falls are preventable and falling shouldn't be considered part of the normal ageing process."

WDHB director of nursing Sandy Blake supports the programme and said falls were often devastating for older people and their families.

"Frequent falling is one of the main reasons older people move into aged residential care and half of those who sustain a hip fracture from falling never regain the level of mobility they had before the fall," she said.

"One of the best things any of us can do is follow the advice provided in the Live Stronger for Longer literature and website."

For more information visit www.livestronger.org.nz