This report presents the models of delivery, issues, barriers and innovative solutions of community-based strength and balance programmes.
Despite common misconceptions, falls are not an inevitable part of ageing and can be prevented. Although there are some NHS rehabilitation services that provide strength and balance programmes, these are often of limited length, making it essential that there are effective community-based strength and balance programmes in their local areas to move on to.
A new report by the Centre for Ageing Better and the University of Manchester’s Healthy Ageing Research Group shows a need for sustained, targeted funding for community-based programmes, with affordable, accessible and proven options available for everyone.
The report presents the models of delivery, issues, barriers and innovative solutions that we found. It focuses on community-based strength and balance programmes targeting all older adults and includes evidence-based programmes to reduce falls.
The findings have been organised into five themes:
- Raising awareness
- Encouraging take-up
- Exercise referral pathways that work
- Sticking to the evidence
- Monitoring for outcomes and improvement
