Dance does not necessarily reduce falls even if it can reduce some of the risk factors for falls – review of evidence from the Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit

The Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit were requested by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to examine whether dance-based interventions are effective in preventing falls, reducing risk of falls, or preventing fear of falls in older adults, and to provide an overview of the evidence for cost-effectiveness of dance-based interventions for…

AGILE endorsed Falls Exercise Referral Form

Why do we need to have a Referral Form? AGILE, working in collaboration with Later Life Training, have produced a Referral Form that provides vital information for PSIs and OEP Leaders to support decisions for: suitability into programmes, (and venues and class sizes) baseline exercise selection and challenge, ongoing progression and tailoring, and scope of…

LLT Statement – Practical Assessment Process (PSI/OEP) during the COVID-19 Pandemic

   This brief statement is designed to support candidates and funders in better understanding our stance on practical assessments and reasonable adjustments during the covid-19 pandemic.  It explains why virtual (online) delivery of a practical session for assessment of practical skills would not be fair, equitable or an appropriate reasonable adjustment.  Download the brief statement…

LLT Guidance In response to COVID-19 FaME & OEP Delivered as Virtual Exercise Programmes & Home Alone Guidance

Who is this guidance for and what is its purpose? This guidance is intended for falls prevention services, i.e. Postural Stability Instructors (PSI) and Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) Leaders and the organisations, commissioners and coordinators that lead and support programmes. Its purpose is for PSIs and OEP Leaders to work effectively with virtual exercise delivery…

LLT Statement – Rationale for maintaining face to face approaches within our qualifications (May 2020)

The current COVID-19 national emergency is causing a dramatic re-think of service provision across all sectors and agendas. As exercise-training providers strive to continue to support successful learning there has been an increase in enquiries to LLT about putting all of our qualification course content online. In response to this, here is a short statement from us…

Older people helping Wigan improve their leisure offer for strength and balance

In September 2017, a collaboration (Glasgow Caledonian University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Wigan Council, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles and LLT) received funding from the Wellcome Trust to explore whether improvements could be made to leisure and health programmes aimed at middle-aged and older adults in Wigan Borough, using engagement with scientific research as a foundation for making…

Strength and balance quality markers Supporting improvement through audit (Public Health England, 2019)

Public Health England have published recommendations on audits for strength and balance programmes aimed at reducing falls. They ask commissioners of their evidence based programmes to audit their impact on the local population. The report can be found here.

Support home exercise with the OTAGO App

Does your clients/patient have a smartphone? Do you want to encourage home exercise practice? The Otago Home Exercise Programme App (available from Google Play Store) costs £6.49 and is loaded with behaviour change motivation tips, a diary, and self reflection on progress. You can give advice on the exercises you most want them to do.…

Public Health Wales – Guidance on recommending exercise for older people to reduce risk of falls (2019)

This guidance is intended for anyone who works with or supports older people living in the local community, as these people are most likely to gain from strength and balance training (NICE 2013). It includes information that will help to:- • understand why physical activity is important for older people at risk of falling •…