At Countryside YMCA, we want to help keep seniors safe by promoting balance and fall prevention. Here are some senior fitness tips.

Group of seniors working on their balance

For seniors, falling is a legitimate health concern. That’s why improving balance and preventing falls represents an important health goal for the elderly. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of resources for seniors to choose from. Falls Prevention Awareness Day is September 23 of each year. In response, Countryside YMCA is hosting a class called A Matter of Balancethis month that provides seniors with resources and training to prevent falls. In today’s blog post, we examine why falls are such an important senior fitness issue. 

How Big of a Problem Are Falls?

According to the latest data, falls are the leading cause of injuries for people 65 and older. One in four Americans in this age group falls each year, according to the National Council on Aging. These falls lead to more than 2.8 million injuries that result in emergency room visits each year, as well as over 800,000 hospitalizations and nearly 30,000 deaths. For seniors, falls are the most significant injury threat they face on a day-to-day basis. 

How Can Senior Fitness Prevent Falls? 

While falls are the most significant injury threat to seniors today, they are certainly not inevitable. Many senior fitness practices can help to prevent falls, particularly those that increase balance, core strength, motor-skill, and coordination. Yoga, water fitness, and pilates are all great choices. 

A Matter of Balance

The month-long A Matter of Balance program teaches seniors that there are many ways to stay balanced and prevent falls. Participants learn to control risks, set realistic goals, change their environment, and learn exercises that will increase strength and safety.

When it comes to fall prevention, A Matter Of Balance can give you peace of mind. This course runs for eight sessions from Oct. 3 to Oct. 28, Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at Countryside YMCA in Lebanon. Every class in this course is free, and trained senior fitness professionals will lead participants. 

Contact Countryside YMCA for More Information 

If you’re a senior, have fallen in the past, or are worried that you might fall in the future, A Matter Of Balance is the course for you. For more information or to register for this course, get in touch with Cara Ebel at (513) 932-1424 extension 185 or email cara.ebel@ymcastaff.org.