Embracing Life As We Age

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among older adults; however, older adults also fall because of lack of exercise, unsafe home environments, vision problems, lack of balance, and medication use. To provide education on falling, the Marion County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught a lesson to Extension Homemakers and senior citizens that covered ways to prevent a fall. The program included a home environment survey and concluded with twenty minutes of exercises to develop strength, balance, and flexibility. Of seventy-two participants, forty-three have experienced a fall in the past year; three had been hospitalized. However, post-evaluation revealed that 100% had learned a new technique to prevent a fall. Sixty-seven will make a change at home or work to prevent a fall.

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