Falls prevention classes for vulnerable Rangitikei citizens are going well six weeks into the 12-week programme.
Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) health promoter Te Ora Nyman travels to Marton and Taihape once a week to meet with groups of 20-30 elderly residents and health workers eager to find out what they can do to lower the risks of falls in the home and community.
"It's sobering to look at the statistics provided to us by ACC for the Wanganui district," Ms Nyman said.
The figures showed 45 per cent of all injuries occur in the home, while 26 per cent were caused by a loss of balance or personal control.
"Each of these statistics is a person who experiences a great deal of pain, who is fearful of the next fall and who loses confidence to walk alone."