Thank you Shane and celebrating partnership with Roar Connections for Life
We were absolutely delighted to see Roar Connections for Life recognised in this recent research paper exploring how older adults can safely get up from the floor after a fall. As a Scottish charity working every day to support people to stay active, connected and independent, it means a lot to see our work acknowledged in research that has real world impact. A huge thank you to Shane for coming to Roar, spending time in our clubs, and delivering this work alongside our community. It was a pleasure to welcome you and to be part of something that is helping shape better support for older people.
Why This Work Matters
Falls are a big issue as we get older. Around one in three people over 65 will fall each year, and for many the biggest challenge is not just the fall itself, but getting back up again. Some people can end up stuck on the floor for a long time, which can affect both physical health and confidence. It can also lead to more ambulance call outs and hospital visits. What this research looked at was simple but powerful, can we teach people how to get back up safely and confidently?
What Shane’s Research Found
The study compared two approaches
one group practised getting up from the floor with support
another group just watched a video explaining how to do it.
The results were really clear.
People who practiced:
- Got up much faster
- Became more confident in their ability to recover after a fall
- and by the end, everyone in the training group could get up independently, compared to around two thirds in the group who only watched the video
Interestingly, it did not really change people’s fear of falling. But what it did change was something just as important
their confidence that if they did fall, they could manage it.
Why This Fits With What We See At Roar
This really reflects what we see every day in our clubs. Confidence does not always come from avoiding something, it comes from knowing you can handle it. By giving people the chance to practise, build strength and learn in a safe and supportive environment, we help people stay independent for longer. And importantly, this kind of training does not need to be complicated or long. The research showed that just a few short sessions made a real difference.
The Power of Community and Partnership
We are proud that Roar Connections for Life supported this work by helping recruit participants and providing space for the sessions. This is exactly what partnership should look like
researchers and communities working together to create something meaningful and practical.
Looking Ahead
This research shows that small, practical interventions can have a big impact on people’s lives. Helping someone get back on their feet is not just physical, it is about dignity, independence and confidence. We are excited to keep building on this work and continuing to support people across Renfrewshire to live well, stay active and feel connected. Thank you again to Shane for coming to Roar, for working with our community, and for recognising the role we play in supporting older people to live well.
Download or read the full PDF copy of the journal below.
