Healthy Living
(continued from previous page) Fall Prevention can help prevent falls by offering home safety checks to spot falls hazards, such as rugs without non-slip backing or too many electrical devices plugged into one outlet. They also can assist in testing and replacing smoke alarms. Firefighters can also connect you to resources in the community to prevent falls. Your recreation/senior center Senior centers are local community-based meeting places where you can gather to enjoy recreational, social, cultural, health and wellness and educational programs to remain physically active, learn new things, and stay engaged with the community. They are also a trusted community hub for health and fitness programs to encourage exercise and movement. Your hardware stores Y ou can find household goods and many other home products and appliances to maintain and improve your home at any local hardware store. It is the ideal one-stop shop if you want to make modifications to your home to reduce your risk of falls. They have all the supplies and materials needed to make your home a safe and comfortable place to age in place and remain independent, such as grab bars, a hand-held shower head, nightlights and lightbulbs for brighter light, and nonslip pads for your rugs. Your faith-based organization(s) You can depend on your faith-based organization to support and encourage you along your fall prevention journey. Faith leaders are trusted sources of valuable information and can connect you to community resources to address your needs, especially your health. You can also count on your faith community for social support. Your library Libraries are a valuable place to learn about falls prevention. They have books and other media for you to use so you can be more informed and educated about your health and fall prevention. Your local sporting goods store Your local sporting goods store is a valuable resource for the most appropriate shoes, clothes, and equipment to help you stay active and falls free. These stores can help you pick out the best shoes for walking, hiking, and the right equipment for health and fitness programs.
Ready to build your falls prevention team? As you start to pull together those who will help you protect your health and independence, you can always turn to your area agency on aging for information on the evidence-based, fall prevention programs available in your area. Some of these include A Matter of Balance, Bingocize and Enhance Fitness. They can provide resources for home modification needs. Call them, they are here to help!
Source: National Council on Aging (NCOA), July 2022 Southern Chapter of the Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition Community Presentations
Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. However, falls don’t have to be inevitable as you age. You can reduce your chance of falling or help a loved one prevent falls. There are proven ways to reduce and prevent falls for people of all ages especially older adults. During National Falls Prevention Awareness month, communities and states work to raise awareness about the impact of falls and the strategies proven to reduce and prevent them. Pima Council on Aging and the Pima County Health Department are co-founders of the Southern Chapter of the Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition (SCAZFPC). Along with other coalition members, they invite you to attend one of the following fall prevention community presentations: Wednesday, September 21 | 10:30 am – 12 pm | Ellie Towne/ Flowing Wells Community Center | 1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd. Tuesday, September 27 | 10:30 am – 12 pm | Saguaro Christian Church | 8302 E. Broadway Blvd. Wednesday, September 28 | 10:30 am – 12 pm | Posada Life Community Services | 780 S. Park Centre Ave. | Green Valley Thursday, October 6 | 12:30 pm – 2 pm | Armory Park Center | 220 S. 5th Ave. Seating is limited. For more information contact Jennie at 520-305-3410
Page 16 | September 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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