Sport Northland is a lead agency for the ACC Strength and Balance Programme. We are committed to reducing falls and improving strength and balance in older people.

This month residents at the Anchorage Retirement Village in One Tree Point were offered a presentation on falls prevention and techniques for getting up off the floor, and identing risks at home and outside to help reduce falls. Around 25 residents attended, coming with a great attitude, involvement in group discussions and a willingness to learn more about how to help themselves.

The talk has created lots of conversations amongst the residents, from using their community van to travel in groups to attend strength and balance classes and to start an in-house video platform where they can get together in groups following YouTube clips.

Here’s what some of the residents had to say about their presentation:

• Thank you for bringing awareness and skills for falls and presentation. Excellent presentation - Sue.
• Thanks for your excellent presentation. We have already identified one hazard at home we need to address, and we will give the exercises a go - Rob and Maren.
• Thank you, it was very informative and well presented.
• Most informative, interesting, and challenging.
• Thank you. Very informative. Lots of thought about opportunities available locally and in house. Rebecca, Resident Coordinator at Anchorage Retirement Village.

If you have a group of older people who would like a presentation on Falls Prevention, Falls Recovery Techniques, or want to know more on our Certified Strength and Balance Classes contact Ann-Marie Lambly at Sport Northland by email ann-mariel@sportnorth.co.nz or 022 514 7532.