September is Active Aging Month
Eight Week Fall Prevention Course Offered to Senior Adults
MACON, GA (Wednesday, August 24, 2016) - 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 senior 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 of and risk of falling, Atrium Health Navicent will offer "A Matter of Balance," an eight-week course that will meet through September, National Active Aging 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 2:00 p.m., beginning on Tuesday, September 6. This free course is open to the community.
"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. A Matter of Balance seeks to decrease fear while improving balance and quality of life," said Kathleen McKinney, PT, A Matter of Balance course instructor.
Participants in A Matter of Balance will learn the following:
"¢ To view falls as preventable
"¢ To set goals to increase activity
"¢ To exercise to increase strength and balance
"¢ To make changes to reduce their fall risk at home
If you are concerned about falling, have fallen in the past or want to improve balance, flexibility and strength, call 478-477-2300 to register for "A Matter of Balance."
Wellness Center, Atrium Health Navicent also offers free monthly fall risk screenings for senior adults. Call 478-477-2300 for an appointment.