StandingTall

16/10/2025

We are excited to announce: StandingTall has won Australia's International Good Design Award! This highlights how evidence-based innovation can truly improve lives and support healthy ageing. Our collaborative partners, and co-designing with older Australians were key to achieving this milestone. More to come!

StandingTall, the innovative and clinically proven home-based exercise program, has won Australia’s International Good Design Awards for Excellence in Design and Innovation.

The app, developed by researchers from NeuRA and UNSW in collaboration with Miroma Project Factory, was recognised in the social impact category.

Senior Principal Research Scientist, Professor Kim Delbaere, said the app had been co-designed with older Australians and so they dedicated the award to them.

“Every feature was co-designed to make it simple, engaging and empowering,” she said.

“This has been a true team effort, from our researchers and clinical partners to our app developers at Miroma Project Factory, whose creativity and technical excellence brought StandingTall to life.

StandingTall has always been a collaboration at every level, between older Australians, our research team, our clinical partners and our app development partners at Miroma Project Factory. Together, we’ve turned years of science into a practical tool that genuinely fits into people’s lives. This award belongs to everyone who contributed their time, energy and ideas to make that possible.”

Miroma Project Factory CEO, Kat Robinson, said the award was recognition of years of thoughtful collaboration.

“We believe design is at its best when it empowers independence and wellbeing, and StandingTall is proof of how technology and thoughtful design can deliver measurable impact at scale," she said.

Awards jury comments recognised StandingTall’s impact on falls prevention, noting research has found StandingTall reduced falls by 16% and fall-related injuries by 20%.

“The standard of Award Winners in this year’s Australian Good Design Awards was the highest on record, with game-changing projects that push the envelope of good design, design innovation and design impact,” said Good Design Australia Managing Director, Rachel Wye.

“These Awards clearly demonstrate the transformational power of design to create a better and more sustainable future.”

The awards will be presented on Friday night.

14/10/2025

When it comes to falls, prevention isn’t a dream, it’s possible. And it takes action from all of us.

Professor Kim Delbaere and Senior Principal Research Scientist took actor Michael Caton around the Falls, Balance, and Injury Research Centre at NeuRA - Neuroscience Research Australia to show him the work happening in .

The Spring issue of The NeuRA Magazine is out now!

- Actor Michael Caton visits as part of a new fall prevention campaign.
- We introduce NeuRA’s next-gen philanthropy program.
- How prenatal genomic testing delivered a lifesaving outcome to a family in need.
- See how our researchers are fighting falls through research, shaping public policy and a new community campaign
- A new treatment for people with Motor Neurone Disease.

Tap the link below to read the full issue:
https://neura.edu.au/magazines/neura-mag-50

10/10/2025

How long have you been StandingTall?
We’ve been inspired by your stories: from regaining confidence on uneven ground, to your return to using the app after a break.
If you know someone who could use a little extra balance in their life, share our page with them and help them get started!

Did you know our NeuRA researchers have developed an app to help keep people StandingTall?

Professor Kim Delbaere from the NeuRA Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre said the app was developed in collaboration with digital health specialists, The Miroma Project Factory, StandingTall is a clinically validated, self-managed exercise program to improve balance, restore confidence and reduce fall-related injuries in people aged 60 years and over.

“Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation and death for Australians aged 65 years and over,” Professor Delbaere said.

“Falls are preventable, and StandingTall has shown we can achieve that prevention at scale.”

StandingTall features progressive, balance-focused exercises, tailored to each user’s ability and automatically adapting as they improve. It works offline and requires no special equipment.

For more information, visit www.neura.edu.au or find StandingTall in the app store for iPads and android tablets.

19/09/2025

🌱 In our last post, we shared tips on what you could do now to support your balance. For long-term balance support:

✅ Keep moving: go for a brisk walk, and train your balance and strength throughout the week. If you have one, ask your exercise professional to help with creating a program that is suitable for your needs, and meets the weekly recommendations. Using StandingTall can be a great way to keep moving, to bridge the gaps in between visits.
✅ Check your health: vision, hearing, medications, and inner ear health all affect balance. Speak to your GP if you notice any changes.
✅ Stay connected: join group activities or exercise with family, or a friend for motivation and support. Check your local council for classes you can attend.

Balance Awareness Week may be over soon but the journey doesn't stop here: healthy balance today means freedom, confidence, and independence tomorrow. What small step will you take this week to support your balance?

18/09/2025

⚖️Balance isn’t just about staying upright- it’s about moving with confidence and independence.

The good news? Balance can be trained.

Here are 3 simple steps you can try today:
1. Practice balance exercises at home: while you wait for the kettle to boil, try walking heel-to-toe next to the kitchen table, or standing on one leg while holding onto a chair. If you have an iPad or tablet, trial StandingTall for a variety of evidence based balance exercises, strength and heart healthy exercises.
2. Build up daily movement: even short walks keep your muscles and balance system active.
3. Check your environment: good lighting, clear pathways, and supportive shoes make a big difference.

💡 Small steps over time make a big difference.

This Balance Awareness Week, let’s take action to stay steady and strong.
What small steps are you taking this week to support your balance?

16/09/2025

⚖️It’s Balance Awareness Week!⚖️
Vestibular and other balance problems affect millions. In Australia, 1 in 3 older adults experience a fall each year.

Exercise is the #1 way to improve balance. Targeted balance and strength training reduces your risk of falls and builds confidence, at any age.

Noticed unsteadiness or recent trips? Talk to your GP or exercise professional.

This week we’re shining a light on balance health, reducing stigma and sharing practical steps that work.

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11/08/2025

StandingTall is the first app of its kind in Australia.

With users reporting improved balance and confidence, and more than 10 years of research behind it, StandingTall is one approach to ageing well. Could it be part of yours?

Thanks to National Seniors Australia for the article.
Click to read more.

Ageing and falls seem to go hand-in-hand, but this need not be so. Falls are preventable.

07/08/2025

🧠National Stroke Week is here.

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of hospital admissions and long-term disability in Australia. But the evidence is clear: regular exercise can lower your risk, and for those recovering, movement is essential to rebuilding strength, balance, and independence.

At StandingTall, we support effective, evidence based exercise to reduce the risk of disease and improve healthy ageing.

For more information on stroke and exercise, visit https://strokefoundation.org.au/ Stroke Foundation

30/07/2025

StandingTall has come a long way- and you've been with us every step.

In 2023, we heard from past StandingTall+ participants (some who joined back in 2020) about their experience with the app.

Now in 2025? It's the same trusted program- refreshed, redesigned, and now available on both iPad and Android tablets.

Behind the scenes, we’re continuing our research into healthy ageing and working to make fall prevention more accessible for everyone.

Thank you for your support. We’d love to hear from you- any feedback on the new version so far?

View our website for information on how to download the app: http://standingtall.net.au/

24/07/2025

StandingTall is out now and available for download on iPads & Android tablets!

Visit our website for more information https://standingtall.net.au/

🧐 Have any questions? 🙋‍♀️We can answer them.

Did you know our NeuRA researchers have developed an app to help keep people StandingTall?

Professor Kim Delbaere from the NeuRA Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre said the app was developed in collaboration with digital health specialists, The Miroma Project Factory, StandingTall is a clinically validated, self-managed exercise program to improve balance, restore confidence and reduce fall-related injuries in people aged 60 years and over.

“Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation and death for Australians aged 65 years and over,” Professor Delbaere said.

“Falls are preventable, and StandingTall has shown we can achieve that prevention at scale.”

StandingTall features progressive, balance-focused exercises, tailored to each user’s ability and automatically adapting as they improve. It works offline and requires no special equipment.

For more information, visit www.neura.edu.au or find StandingTall in the app store for iPads and android tablets.

15/07/2025

🖤💛❤️ As NAIDOC Week 2025 comes to a close, we pause to reflect, recognise and celebrate. 🖤💛❤️

At StandingTall, we are proud to partner with NeuRA - Neuroscience Research Australia Aboriginal Health and Ageing team on the STOMP (StandingTall with Our Mob) project . Together, we’re walking alongside Aboriginal communities — centering Aboriginal leadership, self-determination and empowerment — to ensure our programs are developed and delivered in the right way, privileging cultural knowledge, respect, and community voice.

Let’s stand tall together — with purpose, with pride, and in genuine partnership led by community strength.

A special thank you to STOMP team members, Kylie S & Louise L, for their collaboration with this post.

10/07/2025

🔄 Life’s always changing—and so do our routines.

Had big plans to walk every morning… but winter had other ideas? You’re not alone.

The trick? Adapt, don’t abandon.
💬 A wise reminder: small, consistent steps beat perfect routines every time.

💡Try this:
- Do a 10-minute StandingTall session right after your morning cuppa. Or just before your shower—it’s all about stacking habits!
- Put on your favourite song and clean to the beat while it plays—just one track!
- Do a few heel raises or squats while brushing your teeth—easy balance boost!

👟 Quick check-in:
Are your exercise goals still realistic this winter?
If not, tweak them. You’re still making progress.

Remember, small steps = strong habits. It's about doing something- not everything.