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 © Queensland Health
The Otago Exercise Programme is intended to help those elderly individuals who are living in the community and are at risk of falling.
The programme is particularly designed to assist a frail elderly person who is scared of leaving home or completing daily activities in case they fall. Such a person is inclined to hold on to the furniture when crossing a room, stop talking when they are walking because of the need to concentrate, and turn down opportunities to leave the house.
But not all elderly people are afraid, despite their high risk of falling. Some individuals, usually men, are ‘risk takers’ and overestimate their capabilities. They too are also very suitable for the programme.
The programme can also help people who have had a period of illness, or a stay in hospital, or just lost fitness from a lack of exercise. They may have dropped below the threshold where a fall can lead to a serious injury like a hip fracture. The Otago Exercise Programme is suitable to raise strength and fitness in these individuals and return them to previous levels of fitness.
Other programmes suit other needs. Rather than the Otago Exercise programme, the ACC funded Tai Chi Programme may be better suited to a person who is already taking part in community activities and getting out several times per week.
Who is eligible?
- Persons over 80 years old, or over 65 for Maori and Pacific people.
- People living independently in the community, not in rest home or hospital care.
- Persons at risk of falling, or who have had a fall in the last 12 months.
- People who understand and are committed to the programme. Its success will depend on their enthusiasm.
- People who are able to remember and follow instructions independently because they will be expected to do their regular exercises without supervision. No significant memory impairment is acceptable.
Does the person I am thinking about meet the entry criteria?
If so, register here.
 © Queensland Health
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 © Queensland Health
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