Eight Week Fall Prevention Course Offered to the Elderly

Course Aims to Improve Balance, Reduce Fear

MACON, GA (Tuesday, August 11, 2015) - Each year, one in three adults over the age of 65 will fall, and many of these falls will lead to serious injuries, such as broken hips. Many older adults fear falling and often limit their activities in an effort to decrease risk. These limitations, however, may lead to physical weakness and increase their risk of falling.

In order to combat both the fear and risk of falling, Atrium Health Navicent will offer “A Matter of Balance,” an eight-week course that will meet through September, National Fall Risk Awareness Month, and October. The course consists of eight two-hour sessions that will take place at Wellness Center, Atrium Health Navicent (3797 Northside Drive in Macon). Classes will meet on Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m., beginning on September 8.

"One-third to one-half of older adults acknowledges fear of falling, and fear of falling is associated with: decreased satisfaction with life, increased frailty, decreased mobility, decreased social activity and depression. Participants in this class will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals to increase activity, make changes to reduce their fall risk at home and exercise to increase strength and balance,” said Kathleen McKinney, PT, who will instruct the course.

If you are concerned about falling, have fallen in the past or want to improve balance, flexibility and strength, call 478-757-7817 to register for “A Matter of Balance.”

Wellness Center, Atrium Health Navicent also offers monthly fall risk screenings for elderly adults. Call 478.757.7817 for an appointment.