Falls prevention
Learn what support you might be able to get from ACC after an accident or injury
Live Stronger for Longer is a nationwide programme led by ACC in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Health Quality & Safety Commission to help older New Zealanders stay independent and prevent injuries from falls.
With so many kiwi at risk of fall related injuries, particularly members of our disability community over 65, the best thing you can do is grow your strength and stability and create a safe home environment.
What does Live Stronger for Longer do?
The free programme provides a network of approved Community Strength and Balance classes, delivering evidence-based exercises to build leg and core strength, improve balance, and reduce fall risk. Classes are run locally across Aotearoa—there are hundreds of approved classes open nationwide
If you can’t make it to a class, you can access in-home strength & balance training. These are based on the Otago Exercise Programme—individualised support delivered by trained health professionals, including home visits, phone check‑ins, ankle weights, and exercise booklets.
Who can take part?
Anyone in New Zealand aged 65+, or 55+ for Māori and Pacific peoples, who has fallen before, is at risk, or wants to improve strength and balance.
This programme is ideal if you:
Are looking for want social interaction with peers while exercising in a safe, supportive environment.
And/or have a history of falling, strength or balance challenges, or fear of falling.
How to get involved
Find and join a class
Visit the Live Stronger for Longer website and use the “Find a strength and balance class near you” tool.
Look for classes marked with the official “tick of approval”—this denotes they meet national safety and effectiveness standards. You can self-refer or ask your GP/health professional to refer you.
Explore the in‑home programme
If attending a class isn’t feasible, ask your doctor or health professional whether you’re eligible for in-home strength & balance support, delivered over several months through trained health professionals.
Facts on falls!
Falls are the most common and costly injuries for people aged 65+ in NZ—with one-third falling annually, and many needing hospitalization. Falls can be particularly bad if you already have other health complications.
The good news! ACC share evidence that group and home‑based programmes can reduce falls by ~29–35% when delivered correctly!
Their stats on the programme state that the savings in health and wellbeing for our community who participate in preventative programmes are huge! It delivers a social return on investment of approximately $5.20 of benefit for every $1 invested.
Find out if you are able to get financial support for other programmes and equipment through ACC on their website: