Photo: ODT filesWith New Zealand’s ageing population growing fast, and falls affecting a third of adults over 65, Hato Hone St John is stepping up to help people live strong and independent for longer. This week, Hato Hone St John launched its inaugural month-long April Falls campaign, aimed at working alongside partners like ACC, Osteoporosis New Zealand and communities to reduce the incidence and severity of falls and help New Zealanders age with strength, safety and dignity. Hato Hone St John Clinical Services deputy chief executive Jon Moores said, in a statement, ‘‘for many older people, a single fall can be the moment that changes their daily life, affecting their mobility, confidence, independence, and overall wellbeing”. Hato Hone St John is encouraging New Zealanders to take three practical steps: enrol a loved one in a strength and balance class, download ACC’s free Nymbl app for people aged 50 and over, and reduce hazards in the home using Hato Hone St John’s falls prevention booklet. Within ambulance data, most falls occur in older age groups, with a median age of 81 and over two-thirds involving people aged 75 and older.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 01, 2026 17:12 UTC