Fall Prevention

Falls are not a natural part of aging!  It is reasonable to be concerned about falls, your safety is important.  Many older adults acknowledge a fear of falling.  A fear of falling is associated with:

• decreased satisfaction with life;
• increased frailty;
• depression;
• decreased mobility and social activity; and
• a risk for falling!

Here are some ways to prevent a fall:

• Get up slowly; before moving forward, take a second to balance yourself, and count to ten before you take a step.
• Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes with low heels and non-slip soles.
• Sit down to put your pants on.
• Increase physical activity – regular exercise increases balance and strength.
• Get regular vision and hearing checkups.
• Review your medications annually with your doctor. Some medications have side effects that can cause dizziness.
• Stay indoors when sidewalks and roads are icy.
• Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs and clutter from your walkways and stairs.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Have grab bars installed next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Have handrails on both sides of stairways and improve lighting in your entire home.
• Ask for help if you need to reach items on high shelves or use a "reacher" (a device to help you), rather than stand on unsteady chairs or ladders. Keep items you use the most within reach.

Are you concerned about falling? A Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Program is a free, award-winning program that can help you reduce your fear of falling, improve your balance, and feel better.

The program is ideal for people who are:

• concerned about falls.
• have had a fall(s) in the past.
• restrict their activities because of concerns about falling.
• interested in improving flexibility, balance, and strength.
• do simple exercises to increase your strength and balance.
• age 60 or older, community-dwelling, and able to problem solve.

The 8-week program meets once a week for two hours. The program is led by trained volunteer lay leader coaches.  Learn practical coping strategies to reduce your fear of falling and increase your activity level by doing strength and balance exercises. 

Call (845) 364-2500 for more information about the program, upcoming classes, and to register.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow movements with deep breathing.

Practicing Tai Chi can provide the following benefits:

• Increases strength, balance, and posture;
• Prevents falls;
• Improves mind, body, and spirit; and
• Reduces stress and increases relaxation.

We offer the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Program from the Tai Chi for Health Institute.  The program is eight weeks; meets twice a week for one hour and is led by a certified Tai Chi for Health Instructor. Call (845) 364-2500 for more information.

Free Virtual Tai Chi Classes (Stony Brook)

• New York State Older Adult Fall Prevention
• CDC Older Adult Fall Prevention
• National Council on Aging - 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall
• National Institute on Aging Falls and Fall Prevention 
• STEADI – Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries