Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand
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Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand
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Falls and Injury PreventionEvery year thousands of older people are admitted to hospital as a result of a fall or other injury. These injuries can be life changing and life threatening, with a tremendous loss of independence involved for some people. Injuries may range from cuts and grazes, to fractures, some injuries may be fatal. Falls may be as a result of a simple trip, or loss of balance. External measures can be made around the home to reduce the chances of a fall, however, other factors such as muscle strength, balance, and medication may be contributing factors also. Age Concern along with various health and injury prevention groups around the country are concerned about this. A variety of programmes have been instigated, and strategies introduced to assist people in increasing their health, well-being, and mobility and assist in reducing the possibility of a fall or other injury. We are gathering a variety of information that may be of interest for you -- the page is still under construction but please call again soon for updates. INJURY PREVENTION INFORMATIONFalls and Injury Prevention Guide Media Release - Government Moves on Injury Prevention Prevention of falls and fall-related injuries among institutionalised older people Shoresafe - Community Focused Intervention Injury Prevention Research Unit Survey of Falls in West Auckland ACCThe Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) have a number of ideas, suggestions, information and statistics on their website regarding falls for older people. You can also access other information including driving for mature road users, back injury prevention, safety for children, OOS (Occupational Overuse Syndrome) prevention, and injury prevention for Maori and Pacific peoples. Prevention of falls and fall-related injuries Among institutionalised older peopleA consultation document prepared for the National Health Committee, June 1997 by Robyn Norton and Meg Butler from the Injury Prevention Research Centre Auckland University (Private Bag 92 019, Auckland) looks at falls and related injuries experienced by older people living in residential care. The document outlines the background for the study, current programmes available, results and recommendations for further studies into this area.
National Health CommitteeThe National Health Committee has an extensive number of documents on a variety of health issues including falls in older people. to go directly to their site. Have a browse around while you are there. A vast array of interest articles are available for your perusal. SURVEY OF FALLS IN WEST AUCKLANDA recent survey of older people was carried out in West Auckland by Safe Waitakere, the WHO safer city injury prevention group. The survey was conducted through the Greypower newsletter and asked if people had fallen, how it happened and if they received medical attention. Most respondents were between 65 and 79 years of age. The results showed that nearly 30% had had a fall in the last year and over a half had required medical attention. Falls are the cause of 69% of injury hospitalisations for people over sixty years in Waitakere City. Reasons for falling indoors were steps or stairs, wet floor, 'fell off', and for outside, tripped while walking, broken pavement, tripped over obstacle and a wet surface. The result of the survey will be used to focus the activities of the working group for older people. For further information contact Margaret Devlin on 09 836 8000 ext. 8540. INJURY PREVENTION RESEARCH UNITThe Injury Prevention Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, released in February 2003 the 10 Leading Causes of Injury Resulting in Hospitalisations - New Zealand 2000. In all 12 age categories the number one cause for hospital admission are falls - the ages ranged from 0 to 85+ years of age. From 55 onwards the percentage of people admitted as a result of fall rises dramatically.
The data source was the New Zealand Health Information Service Public Hospital Morbidity Data 2000. The date includes all discharges from public hospitals with a primary diagnosis of injury, and excludes readmissions for prior injury, stays of less than 1day, those discharged dead and adverse effects due to drugs or medical procedures. You can view their website further at www.otago.ac.nz/ipru. TAI CHI: SELF DEFENCE AGAINST FALLS
For
people
aged
65 and
over...
Every
day
Leita,
age
82,
practises
Tai
Chi.
Each
week
she
attends
modified
Tai
Chi
classes
specifically
aimed
at
fall
prevention.
Why? Because she wants to improve her balance, to avoid falling again.
Discovering
ACC
Tai
Chi
for
over
65’s
was a
turning
point
in
Leita's
life.
She
was
recovering
from a
horrifying
experience,
when
she
stumbled
while
carrying
two
bags
of
groceries.
She
was
unable
to
regain
her
balance
and
landed
with
her
face
flat
against
the
kerb,
badly
cutting
her
mouth,
smashing
her
dentures
and
experiencing
shock
in
addition
to
numerous
bruises.
Falls
are
the
leading
cause
of
hospitalisation
for
people
aged
65 and
over,
especially
women.
Between
30 and
50
percent
of
older
adults
fall
each
year,
with
the
proportion
increasing
with
age.
However
since
going
to Tai
Chi,
Leita
has
never
looked
back.
Modified
Tai
Chi is
an
ideal
exercise
for
older
people
due to
the
gentle,
rhythmic
movements
that
improve
co-ordination
and
balance.
By
building
lower
limb
muscle
strength
and
balance,
modified
Tai
Chi
reduces
the
incidence
and
severity
of
falls. Tai Chi movements also improve flexibility. There is a strong focus on connecting your feet to the earth by building a strong foundation through correct posture and alignment. Other benefits from practising modified Tai Chi daily are improved breathing and better blood circulation which gives rise to an increased feeling of wellbeing.
Husband
and
wife
Anne
and
Trevor
have
been
attending
Tai
chi
classes
for
over
12
months
at the
Sunnynook
Tai
Chi
class “Since doing the classes I feel that my posture, balance and strength have improved greatly. I can now get out of chairs easily and can stand up in one easy motion,” Anne says.
Others
say
modifed
Tai
Chi is
a
great
form
of
exercise.
“Many
exercises
are
not
suitable
for my
arthritic
joints,
but I
enjoy
doing
Tai
chi
because
it
mobilises
all
parts
of the
body
without
being
over-strenuous.”
Betty
was
introduced
to Tai
chi by
a
friend
from
Hong
Kong.
“ I
feel
Tai
Chi
has
sharpened
my
reactions
and
made
me
feel
more
balanced
and
surefooted,
and I
come
away
from
the
group
with a
real
'feel
good'
attitude,"
she
says.
If
you
are 65
or
over
and
want
to
avoid
falls,
then
modified
Tai
Chi is
for
you. For general fall prevention information contact your doctor or call 0800 ThinkSafe (0800 844 657) and ask to be sent the ACC Stepping Out With Confidence brochure. You can also visit the injury prevention pages on the ACC website To check out ACC Tai Chi Fall Prevention classes classes on the North Shore go to our Calendar of Activities For more information and class times please contact Harbour Sport on (09) 415 4610. To find out more about fall prevention Tai chi in other areas of Auckland & New Zealand phone 0800 THINKSAFE (0800 844657).
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Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional. ©Age Concern North Shore 2001-2007. E-Mail us dianem@acns.co.nz about the website. Website last updated 04/12/2008 |
