Sport Canterbury - Overview

Improving strength and balance is one of the most effective ways our elders can reduce their risk of falling. Sport Canterbury is the lead agency for the Canterbury District Health Board to deliver this initiative, growing access to accredited strength and balance classes across the region.

The Community Group Strength & Balance Project is part of a nationwide initiative that is bringing New Zealand Health Agencies together to reduce the number of falls in our elder population. Supporting our Kaumātua to stay living independently and injury free in their own homes is our ultimate goal.

Sport Canterbury has been appointed as the lead agency for the Canterbury District Health Board region to implement this initiative. We are working from Kaikōura to Ashburton, and everywhere in between! In South Canterbury, the team are funded by the South Canterbury District Health Board to provide support across this region, which covers Geraldine to Waimate and includes the MacKenzie district.

Our role is to create and grow access to accredited strength and balance classes; as improving strength and balance is one of the most effective ways our elders can work towards reducing their risk of falling.

Accredited Strength and Balance Classes target the younger, less frail populations of 65 years and over. People who are under this age bracket who are also at a moderate-high falls risk will also be eligible to attend. Classes meet 9 agreed criteria and needs of the community they serve, to ensure that they are effective in reducing the risk of falls to the older population. When done effectively, evidence shows a 29% decrease in fall rates.

As classes become accredited, their information is added to www.livestronger.org.nz for easy accessibility for people in the community. The website is an easy to navigate site, designed by older adults for older adults. We are proud to support this site and encourage you to check it out.