The second round of Stay On Your Feet® grants aimed to improve older adults balance to reduce their risk of having a slip, trip or fall. Moving your body improves an older adult’s balance and posture, strengthens muscles and bones and improves overall fitness and general wellbeing
Congratulations to the three successful applicants listed below who implemented innovative programs during the Build Your Balance campaign, which ran from September to November 2015.
City of Greater Geraldton developed a low intensity strength and balance group within the community, which was easily accessible by older adults and free to attend. The program consisted of two 60 minute sessions per week run from the local seniors and community centre. Allied health staff from the city assisted in running the programs.
City of Albany developed a falls prevention program that trained peer exercise volunteers to deliver free to low cost strength and balance exercise sessions for older adults at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre. Volunteer peer instructors were trained and initially overseen by qualified gym instructors. Two classes of 30-45 minutes were held each week.
City of Perth developed a 12 week multi-component balance and education program. Sessions consisted of tai-chi, led by a qualified instructor and educational sessions delivered by various health professionals and peer educators. The City of Perth will be looking at implementing a similar program in 2016.
