Success StoryMatter of Balance



Matter of Balance

Author: M. Elizabeth Coots

Planning Unit: Shelby County CES

Major Program: Embracing Life as We Age (general)

Plan of Work: Improving Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles

Outcome: Initial Outcome

According to Kentucky Safety and Prevention Alignment Network, falls are the number one injury that required a person to seek medical treatment in hospital emergency rooms. In Woodford County, according to KSPAN, there are approximately 40 emergency room visits annually related to falls for people over the age of 65. While nearly all falls are preventable, there are still close to 4% of these falls that lead to death. Falls are a major concern for senior citizens and many falls are never reported, therefore not tracked. The fear of falling has become overwhelming, and causes many to reduce normal day-to-day activities and exercise, which in return actually increases a person’s risk for falling. To attempt to meet the needs of senior citizens in Woodford County, the Extension Office partnered with the Senior Citizen Center to offer the 8-week fall prevention class Matter of Balance. The goal of the Matter of Balance series is to reduce the fear of falling, view falls as controllable, increase physical activity, exercise to increase strength and balance, and discuss fall prevention strategies. 100% of the 21 total participants stated that as a result of this program, their understanding about fall prevention increased. 85% made changes to their home environment to reduce the risk of falling at home. 60% became more physically active on a daily basis. Multiple participants attended the class due to a previous fall. Multiple participants reported feeling better as a result of the class and planned to find a friend to exercise with daily.






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