Open | Hip Op-eration heads to Mt Maunganui

Residents at Mt Maunganui’s Ocean Shores Village must have some fantastic (non-slip) dancing shoes, which have seen them win the Health Quality & Safety Commission’s falls video competition.

The village’s residents put together a fun and innovative video set to Ray Columbus and the Invaders’ classic hit song ‘She’s a Mod’.

They had a visit from the world’s oldest dance troupe, Hip Op-eration Crew, in recognition of their efforts.

“Making a video is fun for the residents participating and the rest of the residents get a buzz from watching something like this,” says Ocean Shores’ village manager Sandy Quigley.

“It’s great motivation to keep exercise groups going and to encourage others to join an exercise group.”

The video competition was part of the Commission’s Reducing Harms from Falls campaign, aiming to promote strength and balance exercises.

Falls can cause older people to lose confidence, stopping them carrying out certain activities. This can actually increase the risk of a fall as inactivity can affect someone’s fitness level – and having good strength and balance can prevent falls. An older person who has fallen can withdraw and stop doing outdoor activities.

All the people in the winning video take part in the village’s strength and exercise classes.

“We run two classes every week, as well as a weekly aquafit class, walking group and the other usual activities such as bowls, croquet, and petanque,” says Ms Quigley.

“The classes have a range of benefits – they’re fun to attend, help you keep fit and well, and can help prevent falls.”

“We would like to ensure we reduce falls as our population ages. Prevention is the key,” says Ms Quigley.

Hip-Operation’s performance was videoed and will be posted on the Open for better care website in November.

Watch the performance by Ocean Settlers below.