Established in 2017, the Live Stronger For Longer project supports community exercise providers to provide strength and balance classes to kaumātua, to improve their physical abilities, prevent falls and continue to be independent.
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.
Sport Canterbury's South Canterbury Stay On Your Feet programme is a programme funded by the South Canterbury District Health Board, consisting of a set of leg muscle strengthening and balance retraining exercises based on the Otago Exercise Programme (OEP).
Stay on your feet classes run throughout South Canterbury. Contact Sport Canterbury, South Canterbury on (03) 686 0751 to find out when the next 10 week programme near you begins.
The Stay On Your Feet strength and balance classes are now a Live Stronger for Longer approved provider – meeting the national criteria to deliver strength and balance exercises.
Led by a registered health professional
Five home visits over a six month period, with phone calls between visits
Programme available in Timaru, Geraldine, Temuka, Waimate, Pleasant Point, Fairlie and Twizel
Sixty-five years plus (dependent on need for under 65)
Living in their own home with or without mobility aide
Can exercise independently if they live alone
Health status stable for participation in light exercise
Ten week programme
Led by trained professional instructor
Programme is available throughout South Canterbury (dates to be advised)
Sixty-five years plus (dependent on need for under 65)
Living in their own home with or without mobility aide
Health status stable for participation in light exercise
Able to attend the 10 week programme and independently complete exercises and walking at home
GPs or Health Professionals can refer individuals to the programme by contacting Sport Canterbury, South Canterbury on (03) 686 0751 or using the referral form below.
Sport Canterbury’s Active for Life programme for over 50’s has become a popular activity option since starting in February 2013. The programme is designed to suit any ability or level of experience, and includes exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance and overall fitness.
You can work at a pace that suits you, in a fun and friendly environment. The programme includes light circuit classes and a low impact exercise class.
Southern Trust Events Centre, Aorangi Park, Morgans Rd, Timaru
Casual: $7
10 Concession Card: $55
20 Concession Card: $100
Monday 9am Light Circuit
Monday 6pm Fitness Circuit
Tuesday 9am Light Circuit
Wednesday 9:30am Low Impact Exercise
Wednesday 6pm Light Circuit
Thursday 9am Light Circuit
Friday 9am Light Circuit