Did you know that one in four older Americans falls each year? Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people over the age of 65. These startling statistics are why the National Council on Aging (NCOA) has deemed September 18-24 as Falls Prevention Week. The Harrisburg Area YMCA is asking older adults, caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals in the Harrisburg community to join us in raising awareness to prevent falls among older adults.
“Falling and fear of falling may prevent older adults from staying active, which leads to reduced mobility, diminished quality of life, and actually increases their risk of falling,” said Susan Jacobs, Senior VP of Community Health & Government Relations at the Harrisburg Area YMCA. “The good news is that falls are highly preventable and help is available for older adults and their families who want to get active. We’re encouraging all older adults to learn their risk for falls by taking an assessment through NCOA HERE.”
Once risk is assessed, the Harrisburg Area YMCA is helping older adults feel strong, steady, and safe by reducing falls risk through programs like Enhance®Fitness, Balance & Mobility, and Healthy Steps in Motion. Many of our evidence-based health intervention programs are free to the community, only requiring a pre-program assessment. Learn more and get in touch with our YMCA Center for Healthy Living team HERE.
NCOA has 6 steps older adults can take to reduce their risk of falling:
- Find a good balance and exercise program. Classes like Balance & Mobility at the Friendship YMCA help build balance, strength, and flexibility – all key in preventing falls. Learn more about these helpful programs at the Friendship YMCA by contacting Linda Kerstetter HERE.
- Talk to your healthcare provider. Share any history of falls and ask your doctor for an assessment on your risk.
- Regularly review medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure the medications you may be taking don’t have side effects that increase your risk of falling.
- Have vision and hearing checked annually and update your glasses. Some falls occur simply because a person cannot see well. Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet!
- Keep your home safe. Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.
- Talk to your family members. Enlist support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a “senior” issue!
To learn more about the many falls prevention programs available to you at the Harrisburg Area YMCA, check out our online fitness schedule, visit our evidence-based health intervention programs page, or contact the YMCA Center for Healthy Living BY EMAIL. We’ve got this! If you haven’t taken our word for it, ask Cynthia! Cynthia actively participates in the Enhance®Fitness program at the Friendship YMCA and discusses how it’s improved her quality of life.
