As part of our commitment to advancing healthy ageing, PenARC is proud to support the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme—a six‑month, group‑based, face‑to‑face exercise intervention designed to strengthen balance and muscle in individuals aged 65 and over. Evidence shows, FaME effectively reduces falls, enhances confidence, and lessens fear of falling. Through the FLEXI (FaLls EXercise Implementation) Study — a collaboratively funded initiative under the NIHR Healthy Ageing, Dementia and Frailty National Priority Research Programme — we are embedding and scaling FaME across Greater Manchester and Devon. This work ensures greater access to this proven intervention and evaluates the best practices for consistent, high‑quality delivery.
According to NHS England, falls are the leading cause of emergency department visits among people aged 65 and over in the UK. Around one in 20 older adults living in the community will suffer a fall that results in a fracture or hospital admission. The impact is significant, contributing to more than four million hospital bed days each year in England alone, and costing the NHS an estimated £2 billion annually.
Comprehensive approach to fitness
Dean Blagdon, a Health Improvement Practitioner leading the classes, highlights the multi-dimensional nature of the programme:
“We don’t just work on strength and balance. It is all elements of fitness such as increasing range of motion and improving flexibility.
“One of the key things is that we work towards backwards chaining. This is a technique which shows people how to get back up safely, should they end up on the floor. This really reduces the risk of lying on the ground for a long time, needing medical help to get up and a visit to hospital for treatment.”
Regained independence
Paula Swift, Health Improvement Manager at Livewell Southwest, has observed growing independence among attendees.
“The biggest thing people are reporting is they are more confident. We are seeing people who were too worried to catch a bus to get to the classes to start with and had to ask family members to bring them. Now they get here independently which is amazing to see. Some have even ditched their walking aids. The classes are making a massive difference to people’s lives, independence and wellbeing.”
Impressive results
Evidence from the 24-week programme reveals:
- Reducing falls – 88% reduction in the rate of falls (only 5% of attendees who completed the programme experienced a fall, in comparison to 70% in the 12 months before FaME).
- Reducing time in hospital – in the 12 months before attending the classes, 10% of people had broken at least one bone, 17% attended the Emergency Department and 5% had to stay in hospital as a result of a fall. There have currently been no broken bones, trips to A&E or admissions to hospital throughout the programme.
- Most participants improved their balance and muscle strength.
- Getting fitter – more than 80% of participants said they were actively planning on continuing with strength and balance exercise after finishing FaME.
Real‑life improvements
86-year-old Eileen Cole says her mobility has significantly improved in just ten weeks:
“Doing my housework is a lot easier, I’m digging with a spade in the garden and when I had to get down on the floor to read my meter, I managed to get up easier than I would have previously. So, I know the classes are helping me.”
Meanwhile, 73-year-old Lorna McKenzie, recovering from knee replacement surgery, adds:
“The exercises have strengthened my legs and my arms which really helps for getting up out of chairs. I have noticed it is much easier to get in and out of the car too.
The classes keep you motivated. When you are in a group, you are inclined to do the exercises more than if you were at home.”
70-year-old Beverley Teasdale began attending following a serious fall into a glass cabinet, by a detached retina and a skull cyst affecting her balance. The former full-time carer who now attends weekly sessions shared:
“I have been shocked about reaching this age and suddenly having various things wrong. I lost a lot of confidence when out and about walking.
“I am glad to say that my balance is coming back well. I am walking further than I used to and I have even persuaded my husband to get some walking boots. You have got to keep up with keeping fit otherwise you just waste away.”
Free classes across Plymouth
The FaME sessions are offered at:
- Foulston Park, Devonport
- William Sutton Village Hall, Crownhill
- Plymstock United Church, Plymstock
- Elm Community Centre, Estover (starting July 2025)
- William Sutton Hub, St Budeaux (starting September 2025)
How to join
To find out more or register, call 01752 437177 or visit the One You Plymouth website under FALLs Prevention.
The Livewell Southwest news story can be found here.
Livewell Southwest have also produced the below video: