More than 33,000 downloads for Nymbl
Nymbl, a strength and balance training app provided by ACC, is proving popular after being launched a year ago as part of our Live Stronger for Longer programme.
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 designed to help older adults test, maintain and improve their balance.
This week, the AM Show’s William Wairua visited a community strength and balance class, Steady As You Go (SAYGo), at Manukau Library to chat to the participants about how Nymbl has helped them stay active, well and independent.
You can watch William having fun with the strength and balance crew in the video above.
“Falls have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, especially if they result in a fracture, so we want to do what we can to prevent them from happening in the first place,” says James Whitaker, ACC Injury Prevention Programme Lead.
“Our research shows simple body movements improve balance and reduce 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.”
How to Live Stronger for Longer
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.
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 New Zealand, accounting for 39 per cent of all ACC claims. The most serious injuries from falls are fractures and head injuries.
The importance of maintaining balance
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.
“We want to help New Zealanders to stay on their feet, enjoying their independence and leading the life they want to live,” James says.
“We want to dispel the idea that falling over is part of the ageing process. Most falls are preventable.”
ACC runs 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 Service (FLS), 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,” James says.
How to access Nymbl
You can download Nymbl at the Google Play or Apple App stores.
More information is available on the ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ website.
