Leicestershire’s public health leads have played a key part in shaping a new national inquiry designed to reduce falls and help people to stay independent.
With the county’s over-65 population set to grow significantly over the next decade, preventing falls and frailty is becoming increasingly important. It follows new national evidence, including the UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines and broader NHS and public health research on the benefits of staying active. Research from Leicestershire, carried out with the University of Nottingham, helped shape these findings, with Professor Elizabeth Orton, a Public Health Consultant at Leicestershire County Council providing evidence to the government inquiry and showcasing the impact of local programmes.
The research demonstrated that targeted strength and balance exercises can reduce the risk of falls and that learning is already being put into practice across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Steady Steps is the local strength and balance programme designed to help people stay active, build confidence and keep steady on their feet. Additionally supporting the Five Ways to Wellbeing, it encourages people to be active, connect with others and take positive steps to maintain their health and independence.
Residents can take part in if they meet the inclusion criteria. The programme is overseen by Active Together and the District and Borough Councils and delivered by qualified instructors.
Professor Elizabeth Orton said: “It’s really positive to see national evidence recognising how important physical activity is for healthy ageing. We were able to share our research and experience from Leicestershire to help inform this Government inquiry, and we’re already seeing the benefits locally helping people stay stronger, more confident and independent.”
Research contributing to the inquiry also took place in care homes in Leicestershire through the Action Falls programme, helping reduce risks for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents and building on the same evidence base.
For many residents, the impact of Steady Steps has been life changing.
Mandie Hills, from Hinckley and Bosworth, said she joined a Steady Steps class feeling anxious and unsure after a period of ill health that had left her barely leaving the house. She said: “At the first session I was exhausted, but after just a couple of weeks I was able to go to the supermarket on my own for the first time in months.
“Now I feel stronger, more confident and much more independent. I can do everyday things again like cooking, carrying shopping and even simple tasks around the house that I didn’t have the energy for before.”
She added that as the weeks progressed, her confidence and mental health improved significantly, and she has since started to reconnect with her community. Her father, Ron Walker, has also joined the sessions and says they have helped improve his balance and stability, particularly when standing up and moving around.
Professor Orton added: “When people feel safer and more confident, they stay active and independent for longer and that benefits everyone.”
This shows how well organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are working together using proven programmes, backed by research, to help people stay active and live well for longer.”
Person:Councillor Paul Harrison, cabinet member for health