Program details

What is it?

Standing Strong is a group exercise and education program designed specifically for adults living in the community at low to moderate risk of falls and frailty. The program runs for 8-weeks, with one hour to 90 minute session per week.

The program has a strong focus on exercise, with 50 minutes of exercise incorporated into each session. Each week there is a different exercise and mobility focus, such as balance, coordination, dual-tasks or vestibular control. There is also a home-program provided to complete.

There are 8 education sessions delivered by your local health professional over the program. The topics reviewed are those available in the Healthy Ageing Series publicly available for all.

Who is the program for?

• Adults aged 50+ years
• Adults who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander aged 45+ years
• Adults at low to moderate risk of falls and/or frailty

What's included in the program?

The Standing Strong program includes:

Weekly, 90 min group sessions

Educational videos from experts tailored towards falls prevention

Moderate intensity group exercise to improve balance, movement and strength

An exercise manual and home exercise program

How to register your interest:

Follow the program website address linked above and follow the registration link

or email WNSWLHD-HealthyAgeing@health.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 6364 4350 to express your interest.

Opening hours:

• Programs are run throughout the year on an as-needed basis.
• Please register your interest for the program, and an Standing Strong facilitator will contact you when the next program is about to commence.

Cost:

Free

Target age:

50 Plus

Participants who would not be suitable for the program:

Exclusion criteria for the program:

- Moderate/severe dementia and/or cognitive impairment
- Severe visual impairment
- Severely hearing impaired
- Advanced neurological conditions (Parkinsons Disease, Motor Neuron Disease (MND), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Cerebral Palsy)
- Recent major surgery in the last 3 months (e.g., orthopedic surgery including joint replacement surgery, abdominal surgery, open heart surgery, transplants, vascular surgery)

Precaution - requires medical clearance from GP to participate in program:

- Postural hypotension
- Regular/unexplained dizziness
- Palliative Care patient receiving end of life care
- Acute oncology patient (defined as anyone receiving active cancer treatment within the last 12 months)

Special requirements or conditions:

Participants should wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear to exercise in.
Please bring a water bottle to each class.

Minimum experience:

Intermediate

Leader qualifications:

Occupational Therapist

Healthcare clearance requirement:

Yes