Nambucca is Stepping On to better health with free service

A FREE service to help over-65s reduce the danger of falls is now available in the Nambucca Valley.

Stepping On encourages regular physical activities for people who have suffered falls or are fearful of falling.

A FREE service to help over-65s reduce the danger of falls is now available in the Nambucca Valley.

Stepping On encourages regular physical activities for people who have suffered falls or are fearful of falling and aims to help maintain health, independence and reducing the huge number of hospitalisations as a direct result of falls in the state annually.

Health statistics show falls lead to about 30,000 hospital visits and more than 300 deaths of people over 65 in NSW each year.

Stepping On facilitator Jeanette Baldwin said the program was designed for people living at home who are able to walk by themselves or with a walking stick.

"Participation in a program like Stepping On will help older people maintain independence and give them confidence so they are able to undertake their everyday activities safely and without the risk of falling," she said.

The program runs for two hours each week over seven weeks - with a follow up session after two months - and involves group sessions with health professionals and guest speakers.

Topics covered include vision, medicine and exercises to improve strength and balance.

Previous participant Bev Watson praised the program and said it helped her feel more confident, stable and balanced.

"Going to the Stepping On program has made a big difference to my life," Mrs Watson said said

"I am more aware of keeping myself safe and how to prevent myself falling.

"I got to meet new people, it was fun and now I am a lot stronger and more confident to go out in the community, I highly recommend this program to anyone."

The next programs starts on March 28 at Nambucca Valley Care's Daisy Cottage in Macksville.

To join or find out more, contact Jeanette Baldwin or Di Simpson at Nambucca Valley Care on 6598 5000.