Did you know that one in four older Americans falls every year? Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people aged 65+. Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries. And even falls without a major injury can cause an older adult to become fearful or depressed, making it difficult for them to stay active.
If you a senior, or have an aging parent, grandparent, or friend, helping reduce the risk of falling is a great way to stay healthy and independent as long as possible. The good news about falls is that most of them can be prevented. The key is to know where to look. Here are some common factors that can lead to a fall:
- Balance and gait: As we age, most of us lose some coordination, flexibility, and balance, primarily through inactivity, making it easier to fall.
- Vision: In the aging eye, less light reaches the retina—making contrasting edges, tripping hazards, and obstacles harder to see.
- Medications: Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, dehydration, or interact with other medications that can lead to a fall.
- Environment: Most seniors have lived in their homes for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that might keep it safer as they age.
- Chronic conditions: More than 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, stroke, or arthritis. Often, these increase the risk of falling because they result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain, or multiple medications.
St. Therese of Lisieux will be hosting a fall prevention 8-week workshop series, “A Matter of Balance”, presented by AgeWays (formerly Area Agency of Aging 1-b), from January 22, 2025 through March 12, 2025, from 1:00 pm-3:00pm, on Wednesdays. This award winning program is designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. The classes will also cover how to make changes to reduce fall risks at home and how to exercise to increase strength and balance.
The classes will be held at St. Therese of Lisieux Church (Overflow Room #10). There is no cost for the classes, but donations accepted. Pre-registration is required. Please register by calling (833)262-2200, email wellnessprograms@AgeWays.org, or register online at tinyurl.com/AgeWaysWorkshops.
As we get older, balance becomes a serious issue, and this lecture series will address strategies on how to maintain balance and prevent falls. If you are a senior, please consider taking these classes.
Adapted from the National Council on Aging.
