Department on Aging offers class to reduce falls for people over 60
Wisconsin’s rate of unintentional death from falls has increased over the past 10 years. The state ranks second among all states in the rate of deaths from falls.
Among persons 65 and older, 67.2 percent of unintentional injury deaths are fall-related, according to statistics from Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services.
Figuring out how to prevent falls or why someone is falling is a complex process. The Oneida County Department on Aging is offering the “Stepping On” workshop. Stepping On is a program based on the latest research in fall prevention. The class uses local experts to teach participants about the many aspects of fall prevention. Along with informative lectures, community physical therapist partners teach simple exercises. These exercises can reduce the risk of falling by improving participant’s strength and balance.
The class is held for two hours once a week for seven weeks in Oneida County.
“We are fortunate to have supportive community partners who volunteer their expertise to make this program effective for the older adults in our community,” said program coordinator Sue Piazza. For example, a pharmacist will speak on the role that medications play in contributing to falls as part of the fifth class offering. Other community partners will be a physical therapist, a vision expert and others that will inform participants that falls are not a natural consequence of aging, and can be prevented if you know the risks and how to manage them.
Enrollment for Stepping On is limited to 12, and pre-registration is required. A $20 fee for participants includes all learning materials. The upcoming class will start July 25 and run through Sept. 5, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the new Oneida County Senior Center, 100 W. Keenan St.
For more information, call the Oneida County Department on Aging at (715) 369-6170, or toll free at (800) 379-7499.
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