Citation

Wurzer BM, Waters DL, Robertson L, Hale B, Hale LA. Australas. J. Ageing 2016; 36(1): E23-E25.

Affiliation

School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Australian Council on the Ageing, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/ajag.12356

PMID

27730738

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Assess feasibility and impact of adding a long-term condition self-management program (Living a Healthy Life, LHL) into Steady as You Go (SAYGO) fall prevention exercise classes.

METHOD: Four-day LHL leader training workshop to deliver six weekly program. Focus groups explored feasibility and acceptability. Chronic disease self-efficacy, balance confidence, health behaviours and status were measured at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS: Four leaders and 17 participants volunteered. Focus groups revealed that becoming a leader was considered stressful. Participants valued discussions about managing health, strategies for better communication with doctors, keeping track of medications, action plans and nutrition labels. Between 6-week and 12-month follow-up, self-rated health increased.

CONCLUSION: Although participants valued LHL information, the low participation rates, time commitment and stress of becoming a leader and leading classes suggest that adding LHL to other fall prevention programs will need further consideration around integration of the programs.

© 2016 AJA Inc.

Language: en