Balance, strength and mobility the pillars of good overall health for older people.

Balance is something we take for granted. Unfortunately, balance is learned and, as we age, we start to lose that inbuilt knowledge, unless we consciously train our brains.

This is fundemental to your daily life, because bad balance leads to a lack of confidence and a fear of doing things you enjoy. It is easy to see why people develop a fear of falling and this can have serious effects on mood and quality of life.

"I find it encouraging, satisfying, gratifying and I like having the goal each day, even when I cant meet it"

StandingTall user

1 in 3 people over 65 will fall each year

Many people don't realise, but one third of people over the age of 65 fall each year and this figure grows with age. It is the most significant cause of injuries in this age group.

Falls impact heavily on independence and the need for support.

In people over 80, falls rank in the top three causes of injury-related death.

Adding balance to your fitness regime 

These rather sobering figures occur largely because people enter their later years unaware that they are increasingly vulnerable.

STAYING STRONG

Staying strong is very important because once you fall, it can have a huge impact on the rest of your life. You are very likely to fall again. A cycle of anxiety can set in which prevents you from living your life and ultimately, can lead to serious depression.

Nobody looks to the future and sees themselves as "the old person sitting alone at home, sad and frightened to go out for fear of embarrassing themselves, or worse, by falling over in public. One fall can start the cycle, and before you know it, you are a version of that person.

But it doesn't have to be that way!   

WE KNOW WHAT WORKS

In the 1990s, the Otago Exercise Programme established that if you want to make a significant improvement in balance and strength, you only need to commit to 15 minutes per day and stick to it for six months. All research since has confirmed this. You can exercise where and when suits you.

If you follow this dosage with StandingTall, you will reduce your risk of falling by 20% for a period of two years.

Including this simple 15 minute activity in your daily life is one of the best ways to maintain your independence and live the life you choose as you age.