New classes launched in Badenoch and Strathspey to cut risk of falls for vulnerable people
New strength and balance exercise classes are being offered by High Life Highland in the strath. They are being supported by NHS Highland to help people stay steady on their feet and prevent the risk of falling.
Anyone can have a fall but older people are more vulnerable and likely to tumble especially if they have a long-term health condition.
HLH and NHS Highland have worked together to create opportunities for people to reduce their risk of falling by offering new exercise classes in Aviemore and Kingussie to enable more locals to get support.
Lynn Bauermeister, HLH’s head of health and wellbeing, said: “There is considerable evidence which demonstrates that exercise programmes, designed to improve strength and balance, can lead to a reduction in falls.
“That is why, for almost 10 years, HLH and NHS Highland have collaborated to offer sustainable opportunities to help people reduce their risk of falling and it is very positive that we are now able to add to the programme with these new classes to enable even more people to benefit.”
Margaret Moss, NHS Highlands’ Associate Director of Allied Health Professionals (North Highland) said: “Falls are a common but often overlooked cause of injury. Around one in three adults over the age of 65 and half of people over the age of 80 will have at least one fall a year.
“Thankfully, most falls do not result in serious injury. But there’s always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones, and it can cause a person to lose confidence, become withdrawn, and feel as if they have lost their independence.
“That is why work is being undertaken to ensure that there are pathways established to facilitate routes into falls prevention services.”
HLH has trained a number of staff in the delivery of the exercise classes which are available for people to join online or face-to-face and they do not require a referral from a health professional.
They take place at Aviemore Community Centre Monday on 1.45pm to 2.40pm and Friday 1.30pm to 2.30pm and Kingussie’s Badenoch Centre on Monday 1.15pm to 2pm and Friday 1.30pm to 2.30pm
For more details visit https://www.highlifehighland.com/leisure/falls-prevention-classes, email: active.health@highlifehighland.com or call 01349 781700
