Falls Prevention
Strength, Mobility & Balance – preventing falls
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations in older people, yet many are preventable. As many as 1 in 3 over 65s fall at least once a year in the UK. There are many reasons why we are at higher risk of falls as we get older, including weakening muscles, stiff joints, pain or needing to take multiple medications. The good news is we can do something about most of these problems. For instance, if we do even a little exercise each day, it can help make our muscles stronger and our bodies steadier.
We want to help people to find a suitable exercise to prevent problems in later life – literally to ‘change the way we age’ for the better. Over the next 3 years, Age UK Bristol will be ensuring that there are enough qualified exercise instructors in the region to deliver a great programme for older people to enjoy. We are also supporting lots of local organisations to offer suitable exercise classes.
Here is a list of organisations currently offering classes to improve strength, mobility and balance:
Age UK Bristol offer tai chi sessions, a gentle form of exercise in the company of other adults aged 50+ years. Our trained instructors are all older adults themselves and we offer sessions in a growing number of locations across the city. For more info call 0117 440 4317 or go to this link www.ageuk.org.uk/bristol/our-services/aukbfab/tai-chi-shibashi
Bristol City Council can put you in touch with a range of organisations offering strength and balance classes. Find out more at thislink www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/social-care-and-health/adults-and-older-people/support-to-live-independently/strength-balance-classes
Brunel Fitness Centre has a range of fitness classes. Call 0117 377 0098 or go to this link to find out more www.brunelfitness.co.uk/copy-of-fitness-classes
Everyone Active can provide you with information about a range of appropriate exercise classes. Call 0117 955 8840 or 07825 033 741 or find out more at this link www.everyoneactive.com/content-hub/health/exercise-referral
Knowle West Health Park can advise you on what’s available in the local area. Call 0117 377 2252, www.knowlewesthealthpark.co.uk/whats-on
Sporting Chance have a range of activities for older people offering exercise and the chance to build friendships. Call 01454 865 337, or go to this link https://oneyou.southglos.gov.uk/for-your-body/move-more/activities-for-older-people/activities-for-older-people-friendship-and-exercise-clubs
Wesport has information across the West of England region about exercise and falls prevention. Call them on 0117 328 2957 or go to www.wesport.org.uk/falls-prevention/falls-prevention-classes and www.wesport.org.uk/falls-prevention/fall-proof-resources
For professionals, here are some useful Age UK Reports:
Balancing Act: A review of physical activity in falls prevention
Guide to Good Practice: Physical Activity and Falls Prevention
Here is the Act Now, Age Better website with further helpful information.
If you want more information about what Age UK Bristol does in respect of exercise, strength, mobility, balance and falls prevention, contact Karen Lloyd karenlloyd@ageukbristol.org.uk or Kirsty Brown kirstybrown@ageukbristol.org.uk