New program using Judo techniques to teach elderly people how to fall safely

ABC NEWS (Australia)

As we get older, the risk of dangerous falls increases. But older Australians in Melbourne's west are learning about ways to reduce that risk, through an unexpected method, by embracing the sport of Judo.

Transcript

00:00Are you going to get your butt as close to the ground as possible?

00:05She's showing no signs of it now, but when Victoria Marks broke her wrist in a fall last

00:09year, even the simplest tasks became a struggle.

00:13Couldn't clean, showering, couldn't shower properly, it was just horrible.

00:19But what she didn't expect was that martial arts would be a part of her journey to recovery

00:23and prevention.

00:25It's part of a Victorian first program, in conjunction with Werribee Mercy Hospital,

00:31training seniors in judo-based techniques to improve balance and independence.

00:35We slowly build up their skill set so that once they're comfortable with falling with

00:41me hands on, then it's falling without me helping.

00:47Judo is used in this program for its focus on balance, strength and safe landing techniques,

00:53which can help older adults fall safely and reduce injury risk.

00:58Victoria's the first to admit she had her doubts about it.

01:01Because I'm not a very physical person, and I thought judo, how am I going to do judo?

01:06I thought there goes the other wrist probably.

01:10Dangerous falls continue to be the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations among

01:15older Australians.

01:17Experts say exercises like this can help lower that risk.

01:20We average 20 to 30 clients in any one time in our caseload, for example.

01:25Some people have had some injuries where they've broken a bone or they're in hospital for quite

01:31some time.

01:32With the health improvements she's experienced, Victoria has been able to get back on her feet.

01:37For the first time a couple of weeks ago, I went for a walk in the park that I broke

01:41my wrist at.

01:43And it's actually taught me confidence.

01:47Gaining confidence one fall at a time.

Category

Transcript

Recommended