HAGERSTOWN – Seniors looking to avoid dangerous falls can sign up for a seven-week workshop designed to build strength, balance and awareness of home hazards.
The Stepping On program, sponsored by the Washington County Commission on Aging, starts Friday, Oct. 10, at the Senior Activities Center, 535 E. Franklin St. Sessions run from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekly, with space limited. Participants who attend all sessions will be entered into a prize drawing.
One in four people age 65 or older experiences a fall each year, according to program materials. Stepping On aims to help attendees sidestep those risks by teaching practical skills.
In the course, participants will learn to identify and remove or avoid fall hazards in their homes. The workshop also covers how vision, hearing, medication and footwear can affect the risk of falling. Strength and balance exercises are a key component.
The program has been researched and proven to reduce falls by 31 percent, organizers said.
To register or get more information, readers may contact Curt Miller at 301-790-0275 or [email protected].
The Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging developed the evidence-based curriculum, which emphasizes maintaining independence and continuing activities participants enjoy.
Falls can be costly and debilitating, but the workshop promotes simple steps to prevent them, allowing older adults to keep doing what they love.
