Alongside the start of spring, Injury Matters is launching the three-month Stay On Your Feet® Move Your Body campaign across Western Australia. The Move Your Body campaign encourages older adults to build their balance and strengthen their legs through fun, regular exercises to prevent falls and support healthy ageing.
As part of the natural ageing process, balance and strength can begin to decline from the age of 40, which influences the risk of having a fall. Fortunately, exercise is one of the most effective strategies to lower this risk.
What does the campaign have in store for you?
Older adults can look forward to a series of community events throughout the campaign, kicking off with the Move Your Body Safe-Tea Fair in Midland. This free event, delivered in partnership with the City of Swan, is packed full of strength and balance exercise demonstrations, a Tai Chi session, guest speakers, stalls, and morning tea. You can even come along and get a free strength and balance assessment! Keep an eye out on our events page for more upcoming Move Your Body community events.
It’s important to find activities that you enjoy to build your balance and strengthen your legs. If events aren’t your thing, check out the Injury Matters eDirectory to find strength and balance activities and classes near you.
Health professionals can expect a suite of Move Your Body themed training opportunities on offer throughout the campaign, starting with the Tai Chi for Arthritis: Falls Prevention Instructor Training and an upcoming Active Balance workshop for fitness professionals in the Perth area. Allied health professionals in Albany can register for a free Otago exercise program for falls prevention workshop in October.
Didn’t get a chance to attend our recent webinar Setting the record straight on evidence-based exercises for falls prevention? Don’t forget to catch up on the recording and stay up to date on the evidence-based exercises proven to reduce falls in older adults.
What are other organisations doing?
It’s not just Injury Matters running Move Your Body activities this campaign. Our successful Move Your Body grant recipients and friends at Boab Health Services, Earl St Physiotherapy, Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre, and Umbrella Multicultural Community Care are also running some exciting Move Your Body programs in the community over the next three months.
Are you still wondering how you can get involved in the Move Your Body campaign? Download our Move Your Body Campaign Toolkit for all the information, resources, tips and tricks you need to join the campaign.
