Fall Preventing App

The University of Manchester develops an app to reduce the risk of older people from falling during and after Covid-19 lockdown.

19:42 24 May 2020

Researchers from the University of Manchester have developed a free app designed to help reduce the high risk of falls and physical decline in older people who are in isolation during the Covid-19 lockdown. 

 

The Keep-On-Keep-Up app provides personalised strength and balance exercises and promotes awareness of the importance of hydration, home safety and ways to improve bone health and nutrition. 

 

Dr. Emma Stanmore, the principal investigator from The Healthy Ageing Research Group at the University of Manchester, said: "Covid-19 has confined many of the 12 million older adults aged 65 and above in the United Kingdom to their homes for a long period of time. 

 

"Because many are already housebound and frail, they may have already been at risk of decline. 

 

"This increase sedentary behaviour can lead to impaired mobility, muscle reconditioning and poor balance which can increase falls and have a negative impact on physical and mental health." 

 

The app was funded by the Greater Manchester Academic Health Science Network, Economic and Social Research Council, Danish Innovation Fund, Health Innovation Manchester and Innovate UK. It is also supported by the Masood Enterprise Centre, Manchester: Improving Medicine with Technology and Innovation.