Falls Prevention Program for Seniors
Health Promotion

The leading cause of injury-related deaths for males 80 and older and females 75 and older is falls.  Elderly people are more prone to falls due to the loss of mobility and weakening of bones that comes with aging.

About the program:
The Stepping On program is a well researched falls prevention program. The Stepping On workshop meets for two hours a week for seven weeks.

The program is led by a health professional, with local guest experts also assisting (physical therapist, eye expert and pharmacist).

Topics include:

• Simple and fun balance and strength training
• The role vision plays in keeping your balance
• How medication can contribute to falls
• Ways to stay safe when out and about in your community
• What to look for in safe footwear
• How to check your home for safety

Upcoming workshops:
Stepping On classes will resume starting in September and run through the end of November. Classes will then resume from January until April.

Contact information:
If you are interested in participating in a Stepping On course, contact:
Karen Jensen
Health Educator
801-851-7093

Resources:

Violence & Injury Prevention Program—Falls Among Older Adults
http://health.utah.gov/vipp/olderAdults/overview.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—Injury Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/index-pr.html

Utah Violence and Injury Small Area Report
http://health.utah.gov/vipp/pdf/SmallAreaReport_FINAL.pdf

Clemson, L, Cumming, RG, Kendig, H, Swann, M, Heard, R, Taylor, K. "The effectiveness of a Community-Based program for Reducing the Incidence of Falls in the Elderly: A Randomized Trial." Journal of American Geriatric Society, 2004, 52: 1487-1494.