LOCAL health professionals in the Far West Local Health District are urging older people to look after themselves this Fall Prevention Month.
April Falls Month is an annual event that encourages elderly people to be aware of the risks of losing their independence from inactivity.
The event is supported by the New South Wales Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network, helping to set up an information stall in the Broken Hill Hospital on Tuesday, April 1, and further education events throughout the month.
There is also a large range of resources collated and awareness will be spread and further learning to allied health staff, who will be wearing bright orange and green April Falls shirts.
NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network Lead Advisor Professor Cathie Sherrington said staying active is the key to staying healthy.
“During aging, our bodies change, losing muscle strength and coordination,” said Ms Sherrington.
“The more active we remain, the better chance we have of maintaining our physical function.”
Exercise helps with basic tasks as well, from getting out of low chairs to rocky footpaths; a common issue that causes falls.
FWLHD said if elderly people are worried about falling, feeling unsteady on their feet or having eyesight issues, they should see a GP and optometrist.
“Falls prevention is everyone’s business and research has shown that regular exercise can reduce falls in older people by 23 per cent,” Ms Sherrington said.
“Importantly, slowly building up high-challenge balance exercises can increase the effects of exercise by up to 40 per cent.”
Resources can be found at fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au.
