Steady As You Go classes offered

Age Concern Kapiti manager Dermot Whelan writes about Steady As You Go falls prevention classes

Falls are not a natural part of ageing — falls are preventable! Falls are the most common cause of injury in older people. One-third of people over the age of 65 fall each year, and half of people over 80 fall each year.

Steady As You Go classes are wellestablished in New Zealand and have helped thousands of older people to gain strength and balance, reduce their risk of having a fall, and improve their general health.

The University of Otago Department of Preventive Medicine, Physiotherapy School and Otago Polytechnic Occupational Therapy have conducted a number of studies with Steady As You Go classes.

The studies have found the benefits of the class include improved strength and balance, reduced falls, reduced injuries from falls, improvements in daily life, increased awareness of posture, movement and falls risk, social benefits and an improved sense of wellbeing and confidence.

Participants warm up in a chair, followed by standing exercises, walking exercises and warm downs in a chair. A range of light ankle weights is used for the leg strengthening exercises and all participants are encouraged to work at their own pace.

You could save yourself from a fall by attending a Steady As You Go (SAYGO) class and improving your strength and balance. Age Concern Kapiti is delighted to bring these classes to our community for the first time. Classes will run at four venues in the district, starting on September 25 at the Kapiti Uniting Parish in Raumati Beach.

Classes run for one hour each week, and the cost is $2 per class. Three simple tests will be carried out in the first week, and after 10 weeks to check your improved balance and strength.

See the Steady As You Go advertisement in this edition of Kapiti News for information on the dates and times of the classes at all four Ka¯ piti venues.

■ For further information or to register for a class, call Alison Miller (SAYGO co-ordinator) at Age Concern Kapiti on 04 298 8879.