South Heartland District Health Department

Maintain Your Independence

Preventing Falls as You Age

April 30, 2025

https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html

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https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html

Why Prevention is Important:

Falls are a significant health concern for older adults, causing a large number of injuries and deaths annually. Approximately 1 in 4 older adults (age 65+) report a fall each year.  Falls can lead to decreased mobility, increased dependence on others, reduced quality of life.  It can result in injury and can shake your confidence.  And shaky confidence can keep you from safely doing all the things you want to do independently and in the community!  That’s why preventing falls is critical to maintaining your independent lifestyle.  As we age, the risk of falling can increase if we don't take preventative measures.

Through evidence-based interventions and community partnerships, we can reduce the number of falls within our communities.

At South Heartland, we offer 3 classes that improve your strength, balance, mobility and build your confidence.

1.   Bingocize
   • A socially engaging, group-based program that combines exercise, health education, and, of course, bingo!
2.   Stepping On
   • In Stepping On workshops, we take fall prevention step-by-step. You'll learn how to build and maintain the physical strength and balance you need to walk confidently. From footwear to prescriptions, you’ll learn what increases your risk of a fall, how to avoid it, and make an individualized action plan to stay on your feet and living life the way you want.
3.   Tai Chi

   • On a physical level, Tai Chi improves strength, flexibility, aerobic conditioning and balance. It’s been proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, prevent falls and help people who have arthritis.

You are a candidate for one of these classes if you are:

• 60 or older
• fearful of falling or have had a fall in the past
• Living at home or assisted living
• Not suffering from dementia

Stay healthy and independent by checking your risk for a fall.

What will you learn?

• Simple and fun strength training that improves balance
• The role vision plays in keeping your balance
• How medications can contribute to falls
• Ways to keep from falling when out in your community
• What to look for in safe footwear
• How to eliminate falls hazards from your home

Contact SHDHD, today, at 402-462-6211 for more information and to learn how you can get involved.  Just ask for Kylene!