Still Standing Program information for participants
The Still Standing program can help you maintain your independence and reduce the chance of being admitted to hospital.
Latest update - March 2025
Unfortunately, the Still Standing Program has no more free spots available for the financial year ending 30th of June 2025. We are hopeful that we can get more funding from July 2025 and will find out if this is the case by the end of May 2025. In the meantime, we can offer a paid version of the program which may be at least partially covered by health insurance or aged care packages. To find out more about the paid options please fill out the form below. If you would like to be contacted if we get more funding from July, please fill in the form below and we will contact you.
Why do we fall over more when we get older?
There are many reasons why we may fall over more as we get older. Some possible reasons include: We lose muscle mass and strength which reduces our mobility. - Our eyesight deteriorates. Our hearing deteriorates. - Our memory gets worse. - Our reflexes also become slower. - Our balance becomes worse.
Why is falling so bad?
Falling can result in serious injuries such as broken bones and joint strains, which may lead to hospitalisation and further health issues occurring. Falling can also be more dangerous for those with weaker bones which is usually referred to as Osteoporosis and Osteopenia (pre-Osteoporosis). Falling can also impact on confidence and future physical activity levels which lead to further deconditioning (weakness and poor balance), which then increases the risk of falling.
Is there a way to reduce my risk of falling?
Yes, despite all the gloom and doom above, you can reduce your risk of falling. Exercise is a one of the key methods to reduce your risk of falling. The right exercise can improve your leg strength, balance, walking and mobility, which all help to reduce your risk of falling. The program has been running since 2017 and produced the following results: - Average leg strength improved 42% - Average balance improved 46% - Average mobility improved 21% - Average functionality improved 20% - Number of patients classified as low risk of falling improved from 15% to 62%.
How can I complete appropriate exercise to reduce my risk of falling?
Joining the Still Standing exercise program has demonstrated to reduce the risk of falling. The Still Standing Program is a light exercise program to help reduce the risk of falling over. Falling can be very dangerous as we get older, and the Still Standing Program aims to reduce the risk of falling and associated hospitalisation. This program helps you complete low intensity (light) exercise whilst under the supervision of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Who is the eligible to participate in the Still Standing Program?
- Aged 65+ or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 50+ - Reside in Western Sydney (Blacktown, Parramatta, Castle Hill, and Cumberland LGAs) - Medically stable and at risk of falling or having experienced a fall. Not in aged residential care. - Not due to travel lasting more than one week within 4 months of starting. - Not due to have any major elective medical procedure within 4 months of starting. - Not completed the Still Standing Program in the past 2 years, unless recurrent falling and new referral from your GP, specialist or allied health professional. - Must be able to fulfil the program to the best of your ability. By joining the free program, you are taking a government-funded place. If you do not finish the program by choice, you are taking away a spot for someone else.
The exercises completed during the classes include:
- Exercises to build leg strength, which are completed in a seated position and safe. - Balance exercises to improve balance (chairs and supports are provided to reduce risk of falling). - Mobility exercises to improve how you move (chairs and supports are provided to reduce falling). - Reflex exercises to help sharpen the mind. Participants meet weekly for an hour of exercise and there is plenty of chat, which also means completing the Still Standing Program is also a nice way to meet new people and possibly make new friends.
Class location map
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