Exercise scheme could keep elderly on their feet
OLDER people who fear they may be getting a little unsteady on their feet are being encouraged to sign up to a new exercise programme.
The Steady Steps initiative is a simple, non-strenuous course being held at locations in Hinckley, market Bosworth, Burbage and Desford.
The 24-week course is aimed at people over 65 who may be at risk of injury due to trips and falls. Falls are the most frequent and serious type of accident in people aged 65 and over.
As well as this falls account for the main cause of disability and are the leading cause of death from injury among people aged over 75 in the UK.
Every year more than one in three - that’s 3.4 million - people aged 65 plus suffer a fall.
Falls destroy confidence, increase isolation and reduce independence often resulting in hastening a move into residential care.
Some 50 per cent of elderly people who suffer a hip fracture can no longer live independently. The risk of death following a hip fracture is increased, with a rate of 10% at one month and 30 per cent at a year.
After a fall, whether minor or major the fear of tumbling again is a major mental hurdle and can have serious repercussions on activity levels and independence, leading to a poorer quality of life and increasing risk of illness.
In a bid to help prevent falls and improve people’s balance the team at Leicestershire and Rutland Sport are organising the free Steady Steps programme.
Booking is essential for the course which will run on Mondays between 12.30pm and 2pm at Hinckley Leisure Centre and from 4pm to 5.30pm at the Millennium Hall in Burbage. These two courses start on February 19.
Then on Wednesdays, starting from February 21 there are two courses starting at Sport in Desford on Peckleton Lane from 12.15pm to 2.45pm and at Swan House, The Park, Market Bosworth from 1pm to 2.30pm. People who miss the first few sessions can still join right up until the sixth week. To book email christopher.mawbey@nwleicestershire.gov.uk or call 01530 454783.