Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise (Life) Program to Prevent Falls: Participant's Manual

The Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) program is a way of reducing the risk of falls by integrating balance and strength activities into regular daily tasks. Unloading the dishwasher becomes an opportunity to improve strength. Brushing your teeth becomes an opportunity to improve balance. In the LiFE program, every daily task becomes an opportunity to improve balance and strength. This is a different approach to a traditional program where you would be required to complete a series of exercises a certain number of times a day for a set number of days each week. The participant's manual outlines the principles of the LiFE program and provides detailed descriptions of the strength and balance activities in the program. It shows how the activities can be incorporated into an everyday routine and includes several stories of successful participants in the program. The participant's manual should also be read by therapists and trainers so that they are familiar with the LiFE program in its entirety and can teach it effectively to others.

Lindy Clemson is professor of occupational therapy and ageing and co-director of the Ageing, Work & Health Research Unit at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney. She is a recognised international leader in research in enablement and environmental approaches to falls prevention. Jo Munro is a physiotherapist with a Master's degree in Health Science Education. She has been involved in the LiFE project since its inception and currently offers training and coaching. Maria Fiatarone Singh is a geriatrician and professor in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Sydney. Her research, teaching and clinical career has focused on the integration and optimisation of exercise, nutrition and body composition for the prevention and treatment of disease and disability in older adults.