Stay On Your Feet: Activities for Older Adults

This Falls Prevention Week, we’re reminding ourselves that falling doesn’t have to be a part of getting older. Here’s what you can do to stay steady on your feet and why it’s important.

Consistent movement helps you stay steady, strong and independent for as long as possible.

It’s not just about preventing injury. Preventing falls is about: 

• Maintaining confidence so you can keep visiting your favourite spots and stay connected with your friends. 
• Being able to do everyday things like climbing stairs, doing the food shopping, gardening. Whatever it is you do! 
• Staying independent for longer. 

To do this, strength and balance are key. 

And being active every day, even for 10 minutes can help you do this. 

The best activities for strength and balance are those that gently challenge your muscles while improving stability. They don’t need to be complicated. Things like: 

• Dancing 
• Yoga and Pilates 
• Tai Chi 
• At home movements – like sit-to-stand from a chair, heel-toe walking and even lifting a tin of beans over your head count! 

What’s important is that it’s something you enjoy and want to keep doing.  

There’s lots going on locally that you can get involved in:

Live Longer Better Hampshire 

You’ll find a fall-proof strength and balance plan you can use at home. Chart your progress from week to week! 

Access the document now.

Event for Older Residents – Havant 

Havant is hosting their first Live Longer Better event at Staunton Country Park. This FREE event will let you try a variety of activities such as Qigong, history walks and inclusive walks. 

Find out more on the Havant Borough Council website.

Steady and Strong Classes – County-Wide 

There are over 100 classes happening across Hampshire and Isle of Wight to help boost strength and balance. 

Find one near you on the Hampshire County Council website.

Walking For Health – County-Wide 

Wellbeing Walks are free, friendly group walks that help you get moving, feel better and connect with others. Whether you’re just starting out or getting back into walking, these groups may be just right for you.  

Find out more on the Energise Me website.

Falls Recovery Referral Programme – Southampton 

Saints Foundation Falls Recovery is a referral-based programme, where adults in Southampton who have had or are at risk of an injurious fall take part in a 12-week programme within the community, to increase your strength and balance. 

Find out more on the Southampton FC website.

Keeping Your Balance – New Forest 

Find links to exercises videos you can do from home as well as information about local groups and classes you can attend. 

Find out more on the PCN website.

Try something new! 

If you feel ready to join a group or class, that’s great! Good luck! 

If that feels too big of a step, we have a whole range of resources you can do from home. From a 4-minute movement routine while the kettle boils to a radio show that guides you through a 10-minute active session, visit Being Active As An Older Adult to find something you can try this week.