Older Aucklanders staying active, well and independent

Every year in Aotearoa, one in three people over the age of 65 injures themselves in a fall. This rises to one in two once you reach 80.  Sadly, older people have more severe falls and therefore worse fall injuries on average too.

Older people across Tāmaki Makaurau are improving their wellbeing and reducing their risk of falling by taking part in community exercise classes that develop improved leg and core strength.  Clinically accredited classes are available through Live Stronger for Longer.  From July 2020 to June 2021, 121 weekly classes were operating across Counties Manukau with over 45,000 attendances.

Close to one third of Live Stronger for Longer classes took place in Auckland Council Leisure Centres and Libraries. While it may be surprising to deliver physical activity in libraries, these often draw a unique demographic who may not otherwise attend gyms. Across the Auckland and Waitematā DHB regions there were a further 461 weekly classes and despite Covid-19 interruptions, they saw 3,625 new people join classes.

Images supplied by Live Stronger for Longer

Evidence shows that participation in group-based strength and balance exercise programmes reduces falls risk in older people by 29 percent, so these initiatives are vital in keeping Tāmaki Makaurau a safe and thriving city. A key point of difference from private fitness classes is the focus on accessibility and affordability. 

If you would like to know more about classes please contact Beth Collings at Age Concern Auckland (Counties Manukau) on bethanc@accm.org.nz or Kerri Moran at Harbour Sport (Auckland and Waitematā) on KerriM@harboursport.co.nz.  

Age Concern and Harbour Sport are valued partner organisations of the Safety Collective Tāmaki Makaurau.