New strength and balance exercise classes are being offered by High Life Highland, supported by NHS Highland, to help people stay steady on their feet and prevent the risk of falling.
Anyone can have a fall, but older people are more vulnerable and likely to fall, especially if they have a long-term health condition and it is well known that falls in later life are a huge concern for people.
High Life Highland and NHS Highland have worked together to create opportunities for people to reduce their risk of falling by offering new exercise classes to enable more people to get support.
Lynn Bauermeister, Head of Health and Wellbeing at High Life Highland, said:
“There is considerable evidence which demonstrates that exercise programmes, designed to improve strength and balance, can lead to a reduction in falls. That is why, for almost ten years, High Life Highland and NHS Highland have collaborated to offer sustainable opportunities to help people reduce their risk of falling and it is very positive that we are now able to add to the programme with these new classes to enable even more people to benefit.”
Margaret Moss, Associate Director AHPs (North Highland) at NHS Highland, added:
“Falls are a common, but often overlooked, cause of injury. Around one in three adults over the age of 65 and half of people over the age of 80 will have at least one fall a year. Thankfully, most falls do not result in serious injury. But there’s always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones, and it can cause a person to lose confidence, become withdrawn, and feel as if they have lost their independence which is why work is being undertaken to ensure that there are pathways established to facilitate routes into falls prevention services, and the consistency with which services are delivered to ensure equitable outcomes across the region.”
High Life Highland have trained a number of colleagues in the delivery of the exercise classes which are available for people to join online or face-to-face and they do not require a referral from a health professional.
If you would like any further information about the strength and balance classes please see the High Life Highland website: https://www.highlifehighland.com/leisure/falls-prevention-classes/ or you can email: [email protected] or call 01349 781700.
