Student-run falls prevention programmes for older adult community members: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION: Falls among community-dwelling older adults represent a significant public health concern. A student-led falls prevention initiative was piloted with a group of at-risk clients in Hamilton/Waikato, New Zealand. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate a student-led falls prevention programme from the perspective of a group of initial clients. The programme comprises two key components: strength and balance exercises, and sessions providing falls prevention education (FPE) from the perspective of a group of initial clients. METHODS: Data on perceived effectiveness and overall impact were collected via a post-programme survey. RESULTS: Participants reported positive perceptions of the programme's effectiveness in enhancing knowledge and preventing falls. Qualitative data revealed multifaceted benefits experienced by participants, indicating the potential efficacy of student-led initiatives in reducing falls among older adults. DISCUSSION: These initial findings underscore the potential of student-led initiatives in addressing falls prevention and enhancing the wellbeing and safety of aging populations. Further research is warranted to explore the scalability and sustainability of such programmes in broader community settings.