With 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.
Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence, resulting in more than 53,700 ambulance callouts last year, around 12 percent of total workload. This demand has steadily increased over recent years, reflecting New Zealand’s ageing population.
Hato Hone St John is today launching 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.
“For many older people, a single fall can be the moment that changes their daily life, affecting their mobility, confidence, independence, and overall wellbeing,” says Jon Moores, Hato Hone St John Deputy Chief Executive – Clinical Services.
“Falls are more common than people realise, and the risk increases over the age of 65. But this is not an inevitable part of ageing. Many falls can be prevented through simple, everyday actions including regular movement, balance exercises, checking home hazards and staying connected with whānau and community.”
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.
“We are on a journey to standing stronger together, and our partners and communities all play a vital part. Everyone has a parent, grandparent, friend or neighbour who they can support to live confidently, safely, and independently,” says Mr Moores.
Falls account for nearly 40 percent of all ACC injury claims. In 2025, ACC accepted more than 196,000 claims for falls among people aged 65 and older. These injuries cost over $460 million to help people recover. Most falls attended by ambulance services occur in the home, highlighting the importance of simple changes to reduce everyday hazards. Around 70 percent of patients are transported to hospital, while others can be safely supported at home or referred to community care.
Every year, one in three people over 65 injures themselves in a fall. 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. ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says around 42 percent of all home-related injuries are from falls or loss of 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.”
“Research shows that regular strength and balance training can reduce the risk of falls by almost a third. ACC’s Live Stronger for Longer injury prevention programme supports older adults in staying active, independent, and confident so they can keep doing the things they love,” says Mr Whitaker.
Across ambulance operations, telecare services, health shuttles, and community programmes, Hato Hone St John connects with thousands of older people every day and sees first-hand the impact of falls and the toll they have on individuals and their whānau throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
The organisation’s goal is to help people stay strong and independent for longer by raising awareness, sharing practical tools, and supporting people to stay active and connected, in order to reduce the number of preventable injuries among older New Zealanders. This awareness and support starts earlier for Māori and Pacific peoples, who are at risk of low-acuity falls occurring earlier in life.
“Our message is simple: Tiakina tō tinana, kia manaaki tonu i tō whānau. Look after your body so you can keep caring for your whānau,” says Mihi Blair, Hato Hone St John Deputy Chief Executive – Māori Health and Engagement.
“Whānau play a crucial role in supporting kaumātua to remain safe, independent, and connected in their own homes and communities. Basic acts such as checking the home for hazards, encouraging regular movement, and maintaining regular contact can significantly reduce the risk of falls. By working together with aroha and shared responsibility, whānau can help protect the wellbeing and mana of their kaumātua.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
To find and enrol in a strength and balance class, visit: https://www.livestronger.org.nz/find-a-community-strength-and-balance-class/find-a-strength-and-balance-class/find-a-class?utm_source=StJohn&utm_medium=SMS&utm_campaign=StJohn-SMS&utm_id=LSFL.
Download the Nymbl app at: https://www.livestronger.org.nz/nymbl-app/nymbl/download-the-nymbl-app?utm_source=StJohn&utm_medium=SMS&utm_campaign=StJohn-SMS&utm_id=LSFL.
Download the booklet at: https://www.stjohn.org.nz/about-st-john/strategy/falls-prevention/