According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four adults age 65 and older fall each year, but less than half talk to their healthcare provider. Among older adults (those 65 or older), falls are the leading cause of injury death. They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Many view falls as a normal part of aging, when in fact, it is the complete opposite. Once an older adult experiences a fall, they often develop a fear of falling resulting in a decrease in their physical activity which can lead to missing out on the things they once enjoyed.

Ultimately, there can be many different causes for a fall: poor footwear, medication side effects, fall hazards in the home, or poor vision. The good thing is most falls are preventable. You can prevent falls by making your home safer, getting regular health checkups, and doing the right exercises. A great place to find falls prevention programs are at your local senior center. The Area Agency on Aging works with local senior centers to implement evidence-based health promotion programs such as A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention, and Walk with Ease.

A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program that recognizes the risk of falling and highlights real-world coping strategies to reduce the fears of falls. In the workshop, participants will shift their thought about falls to see that falls can be controllable. Throughout the Matter of Balance workshop, participants will have an opportunity to establish realistic goals to increase their physical activity. In addition, the workshop will provide each participant with exercises that focus on balance and strength that can be done in the comfort of your home. A Matter of Balance also works with participants to change their views about falls and provides ways that older adults can reduce their risk for falls.

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is recognized worldwide for its overall health benefits. Focusing on three main principles, which include movement control, weight transfer, and integration of mind and body, Tai Chi works to increase balance and reduce falls. The movement control principle in Tai Chi encourages slow, smooth, and continuous movements so that participants can improve their internal muscle strength without causing too much tension on their bodies and joints. The second principle, weight transfer, allows participants to focus on weight transfer with each step, therefore, helping improve overall mobility, coordination, and balance. Finally, as the third principle, the integration of body and mind encourages finding a balanced connection between their mind and body. With a balanced mind and body, participants can focus on relaxation and build confidence as they gain strength.

Walk with Ease is a group-walking program that encourages participants to start walking and stay motivated to keep active. During the six-week program, participants meet three times a week as a group. Each session begins with a health education session followed by stretching exercises then a 10 - 35 minute walk.