Updated August 22, 2024
The Y is offering multiple events across our community centers for active older adults to help keep you flexible, stable, and reduce the risk of falls.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Fortunately, many falls are preventable and the first step to prevention is understanding risk. With a focus on healthy aging, the Y is committed to helping older adults learn their fall risk and access programs that can help them reduce their risk for falls.
Older adults are valuable members of our families and communities. We want people to be able to live independently in their homes for as long as possible, and fall prevention is key. We also want to help eliminate the fear of falling that may cause people to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility, diminished quality of life and can actually increase the risk of falling.
Join the Y this month as we recognize Fall Prevention Month and support you with a series of workshops across our community centers. In each, you’ll learn how to prevent falls by incorporating balance and posture with moves you can do at home. Each of these events is free and open to all as part of our commitment to fall prevention.
Fall Prevention Events at the YMCA
Morgan Family YMCA is hosting several class demonstrations and vendors to raise awareness of Falls Prevention Week. Join us for Tai Chi, learn how to fall safely, and try out our Silver Fit Combo class. Plus, there will be giveaways!
Date and Time: September 25, 9am-12pm
Location: Main Gym
Lakewood Family YMCA is hosting a Fall Prevention Expo featuring numerous vendors and YMCA experts who will be on hand to support people in need or at risk of a fall. Join us and learn more about chronic disease prevention, balance assessments, participate in a Silver Circuit Demo, a safety workshop, and speak with Pierce County Aging & Disabilities.
Date and Time: September 25, 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Main Gym
Mel Korum Family YMCA is hosting Central Pierce Fire Department Senior Safety at our Falls Prevention Expo this year. While attending, you will learn about healthy brain snacks and try out class demos.
Date and Time: September 26, 11:30am-1:30pm
Gordon Family YMCA is hosting a Fall Prevention Expo to support active older adults who may need a risk assessment or want to develop greater strength and balance in their day-to-day lives through various class demos.
Date and Time: September 25, 11:30am-1:30pm
Location: Main Gym
Bremerton Family YMCA is supporting Fall Prevention Awareness Week by offering a wide range of class demonstrations and workshops. You will be able to learn how to fall down and get up safely, identify tripping hazards in your home, and have a little fun with a balance and agility course.
Date and Time: September 27, 9am-12pm
Haselwood Family YMCA is inviting you to join us for Falls Prevention Week. We will offer a fall and balance risk assessment for attendees, along with various speakers and vendors.
Date and Time: September 24, 10am-1pm
Location: Main Gym
Tom Taylor Family YMCA is hosting an expo in honor of Falls Prevention Week to support our community members with healthy aging. Attendees will learn more about methods to prevent falls, access local resources, and be able to check out classes the Y offers to support an active, enduring lifestyle.
Date and Time: September 25, 1-3pm
Tacoma Center YMCA and MultiCare Healthy Aging are partnering to address balance and the risks of falling. Get started on your journey to better balance with a personal assessment and lots of useful information and resources.
Date and Time: September 23, 10am-1pm
Take a Stand at Home
You can also take action at home to lessen the risk of a fall. The CDC suggests these basic lifestyle and safety changes to help reduce risk or prevent falls: • Begin an exercise program to improve your leg strength & balance.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines.
- Get annual eye check-ups & update your eyeglasses.
- Make your home safer by:
- Removing clutter & tripping hazards.
- Putting railings on all stairs & adding grab bars in the bathroom.
- Having good lighting, especially on stairs.
The Y is dedicated to working with and helping educate active older adults and discuss home safety, exercise, personal care, and how to set people up for success at any age. Learn more about your risk factors from the National Council on Aging by taking its Fall Free Check-up Quiz.