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 © Queensland Health
The Otago Exercise Programme is about helping frail, older people have fewer falls. It is a personal training programme – not a treatment programme – intended for people living in the community.
The physical costs of falls
Falling often causes older people to suffer serious injuries and this leads to huge costs for the community. Many older people suffer falls which happen more and more frequently the older they get.
In any single year a third of the population aged between 65 and 79 will experience a fall and this figure rises to over half of those 80 and older. Amongst people over 75 years admitted to hospital, 82% will be for injuries related to falls.
The good news is that the number of falls can be lessened through the Otago Exercise Programme. Participants in the programme can achieve greater leg strength and better balance, two factors which predispose elderly people to having falls.
 © Queensland Health
Falling is frightening.
The victims lose confidence and become timid, going out less often and taking less exercise. This in turn decreases their muscle conditioning and increases their risk of having another fall.
A person who has had a serious fall is significantly more likely to have another.
The aim of the Otago Exercise Programme is to provide exercises which strengthen leg muscles, improve balance and teach safe ways of walking, climbing stairs and getting up from a chair.
With stronger legs and better balance the participant will become fitter and more mobile. This will make them more confidence to go out in the community and will enhance their quality of life.
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