A single fall can have a serious impact on an older adult’s health and ability to remain independent. This year, one in three Ohioans age 65 and older will experience a fall, and, falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths among this age group.
But falls are preventable.
Council on Aging (COA) offers free, community-based health and wellness programs that can help prevent falls and improve participants’ overall health and well-being.
One such workshop is Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. Tai Chi is a centuries-old, mind and body practice that involves fluid, whole-body movements that gently challenge and strengthen balance, mental focus, deep breathing and relaxation. It has been proven to improve balance and reduce falls and may have other health benefits as well.
Jeff Frauenknecht leads one of COA’s free Tai Chi workshops at Warren County’s Countryside YMCA. “Tai Chi is accessible to everyone,” said Frauenknecht. “I tell participants to stand as they are able and use a chair when it is necessary. Many participants report better balance, improved mobility, strength and stamina.”
“Yes. Tai Chi is by far the most requested,” says Zach McCollum, Countryside YMCA’s executive director. “And, as with any program, it’s only as good as the instructor who is teaching. Jeff is very well liked and provides a great class for participants!”
COA offers other workshops that can help older adults improve strength and stability and prevent falls, including Matter of Balance and Bingocize. Workshops are also available to help older adults manage common chronic conditions, such as diabetes. All workshops are designed with older adults and caregivers in mind and are held throughout COA’s five-county service area. Workshops are led by community volunteers.
Those interested can visit www.help4seniors.org to find falls-focused workshops or to learn about other health and wellness programs in COA’s service area. Prairie View Apartments in Wilmington is offering a “Bingocize” class, which combines the fun of Bingo with the benefits of health education. This class takes place on Wednesdays and Fridays from Nov. 1 through Jan. 10, from 1 to 2 p.m. During the game, participants are presented with health-focused questions and exercises that improve body strength, gait, balance, and range of motion. It also enhances cognition, increases social engagement, and reduces fall risks by increasing knowledge of these hazards. The last day to register for Bingocize is Oct. 25.
Additionally, Westminster I, located at 901 Cherry St. in Blanchester, is offering a chronic disease self-management class on Fridays from Nov. 1 to Dec. 6, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. This class will cover topics such as healthy eating, managing frustration, fatigue, and isolation, and engaging in light exercises to maintain and improve strength and flexibility. Participants will also learn about improving communication with family, friends, and doctors, making informed treatment decisions, and the appropriate use of medications. The last day to register for this class is also Oct. 25.
Both workshops offer valuable resources to improve health and wellness, providing participants with the tools they need to stay active, engaged, and healthy. For those who prefer to attend remotely, there are also virtual classes available.
Facts about Falls in Ohio:
-Unintentional falls among older adults age 65-plus are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in the U.S. and Ohio.
-In 2019, four adults age 65-plus died per day as a result of an unintentional fall or a health condition resulting or originating from a fall.
-From 2010 to 2019, the number of unintentional fall deaths among older adults increased 55%.
-From 2010 to 2019, adults age 85-plus had the highest rate of unintentional fall deaths for each year.
-In 2019, 57% of all unintentional fall deaths among older adults were the result of falls that occurred at home.
