It’s been 12 months since ACC launched Nymbl, a strength and balance app to help older New Zealanders keep their independence.

In the past year more than 33,000 older adults around Aotearoa have now downloaded the free app and are enjoying the benefits of being steadier on their feet and more confident.

Nymbl is a training app that is designed to help older adults test, maintain and improve their balance.

“Falls have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, especially if it results in a fracture, so we want to do what we can to prevent them from happening in the first place,” says ACC injury prevention programme Lead James Whitaker.

“Our research shows simple body movements improves balance and reduces the risk of falls by almost a third.

“By investing 10 minutes a day in Nymbl a few times a week, you can improve your balance and maintain your independence and confidence.”

The app was launched in April last year as part of ACC’s injury prevention programme, Live Stronger for Longer, which is focused on preventing falls and fractures.

Colin McGregor (Wellington) says using Nymbl helps him to keep doing his passion of motorbike riding. Photo supplied.

Nymbl combines simple body movements with easy brain games, like trivia, to challenge both the brain and body.

It’s scaled depending on a person’s abilities.

This dual tasking approach is scientifically proven to improve balance faster than just physical forms of exercise alone.

Falls are the most common cause of injury in Aotearoa, accounting for 39 per cent of all ACC claims. The most serious injuries from falls are fractures and head injuries.

Falls become more common as we age. Every year one in three people over 65 injures themselves in a fall, rising to one in two once they reach 80.

Injuries from falls can result in a loss of independence, social isolation and loneliness which further increases the risk of falls and fall injuries.

One in six New Zealanders are 65 and over. Around 30 per cent of people aged 65 and over who live in the community will fall at least once a year and 10 to 20 per cent will need hospitalisation.

Penny Wilson (Auckland) uses Nymbl everyday to work on her strength and balance. Photo supplied.

“We want to help New Zealanders to stay on their feet, enjoying their independence and leading the life they want to live,” says James.

“We want to dispel the idea that falling over is part of the ageing process. Most falls are preventable.”

ACC run the Live Stronger for Longer injury prevention programme which has two prevention tools.

Firstly, Strength and Balance, delivered via community classes around the country or by the Nymbl app, aims to reduce the rate of falls.

Secondly the Fracture Liaison Services, aims to minimise the rate of secondary fragility fractures.

“We want to support older New Zealanders to work on their strength and balance so they can keep enjoying their independence.”

How to download Nymbl

• Download the free app to your smart phone or tablet by searching “Nymbl Training” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• For more information about Live Stronger for Longer classes in your area, visit: https://www.livestronger.org.nz/