ACC helping over 65s stay strong and healthy in their bubble
30 April 2020
ACC is helping bring an exercise programme for over 65s who are house-bound to TV screens around New Zealand as part of a new collaboration with TVNZ and partners across the health sector.
Hosted by former-Silver Fern Bernice Mene, the Saturday morning show Healthy For Life will start on 2 May, and has been designed to help older people work on their strength and balance, as well as providing tips on staying safe in the home, keeping your brain active, keeping up social links with friendships, and healthy eating.
ACC’s Head of Injury Prevention, Isaac Carlson says around the age of 65 there is an increased risk of injury from falling, but maintaining strength and balance can help keep them mobile and prevent injuries from falls.
“Before the lockdown, Live Stronger For Longer, our injury prevention programme for over 65s, had more than 1,100 approved community-based strength and balance classes occurring around the country each week. These are on hold now and we’ve heard from some of the regular attendees that they’re missing the classes.
“Regular exercise is one of the best things anyone can do to stay fit and healthy. Staying active and having core strength and balance keeps you steady on your feet. This is especially important as we age to, reduce the risk of a fall and maintain confidence to be active and independent.
“Exercise can also help people keep their bones strong, have more energy, sleep better, and help control blood pressure, sugar levels and weight.
“We hope this TV programme introduces more New Zealanders to the Live Stronger for Longer programme and encourages them to give it a go.
“For anyone joining in, remember when you’re exercising at home it’s important to wear comfortable clothes that you can move in, and make sure you have enough space to move in without hitting or tripping over anything.”
Want more? There’s a host of practical information and good common-sense advice on www.livestronger.org.nz including resources that you can download and even order—delivery may just take a little while longer than usual while we are in lockdown.
Healthy For Life screens on TVNZ 1, May 2 at 9AM and repeats Saturdays thereafter and will also be available at TVNZ OnDemand.
Last updated: Friday, May 1, 2020