Aged care homes across the country are trialling a new exercise program based on an arcade-style video game, to help improve the balance and brain function of older Australians.
The program, smart±step, was designed by Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), and is being piloted in four Allity aged care homes in NSW and Victoria.
It uses a dance map and adapted versions of popular video games to help train the brain for mobility, balance and cognitive function.
NeuRA Senior Research Scientist, Dr Daina Sturnieks, who designed the program, is particularly excited about its potential to help reduce falls – the biggest cause of injury-related death in older Australians.
In 2016/17, more than 125,000 Australians aged 65-plus were hospitalised due to a fall, but Dr Sturnieks believes smart±step can reduce this number by 50 per cent.
“Our trials show people find the games extremely enjoyable,” she said. “The competitive nature of the games means that we are confident that smart±step participants will happily use the program to obtain the best possible health benefit.”
“We are excited to be undertaking this trial in partnership with Allity as this will enable the new technology to be used by thousands of people within aged care homes across Australia,” she added.
Sounds like a great initiative – well done.
