A senior works with a wellness coach to improve balance and strength.
Strengthening Seniors
Each year, millions of people fall, especially those who are age 65 and older. In fact, more than one out of four older people fall each year, but less than half tell their doctor.
Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Recognizing this growing problem for older adults in the community, the YMCA of the Suncoast has partnered with the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to offer a new falls prevention program.
The new evidence-based health program is designed to decrease falls and fall-related injuries among older adults and adults with disabilities.
Launching in the next few months, the Healthy Steps for Older Adults (HSOA) program, will be offered to adults 50 years and older and adults of any age with a disability. The program provides screening, assessment and education to reduce the occurrence of falls.
The goal of the program is for participants to leave the seminar with a better understanding of all aspects of falls prevention, including:
- Home safety modifications
- Safe footwear
- Nutrition for bone health
- Exercise
- Medication management
- Communicating with their physician about fall prevention
Funding and Fun
“We’re excited to bring this program to seniors in the community,” says Summer Cruff, Director of Community Health for the YMCA of the Suncoast. “Over the course of the three-year grant, we hope to educate more than 3,000 seniors on falls prevention, while developing community partners who will enable us to continue offering the HSOA program to following the conclusion of the grant.”
The grant also provides funding for the HSOA program at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.
Details on the YMCA of the Suncoast's HSOA program, including schedules and locations, will be available online in the coming months.
In the meantime, to assess your risk for falling, visit the National Falls Prevention Resource Center and complete the Falls Free CheckUp.