50+ Lifestyles

Ready, Steady, Balance: Prevent Falls Awareness Event

Join us September 22nd at CASI

By Kathy Horrell
CASI Director of Senior Services

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. However, falling is not an inevitable result of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based falls prevention programs, and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be substantially reduced.

Ready, Steady, Balance: Prevent Falls awareness event will be hosted on September 22nd from 8:30 a.m. to noon and will provide seniors and caregivers with practical prevention tools.
Keynote speaker Larry Readout, Senior Engineer from EMC Insurance Company, will show and tell real life instances of trip and fall hazards. He will share effective and proven prevention strategies.

Additional sessions include:

• self-assessment of your individual falls-risk
• a panel discussion of community resources that can help you reduce your fear of falling
• free hearing screening
• free medication reviews
• exhibitors

Please join us September 22 from 8:30 a.m. until noon for this FREE event .

“Older adults want to stay active, independent, and safe in their homes, but many worry about their risk of falling,” said Laura Kopp, CASI CEO/President. “In fact, one in three Americans over the age of 65 falls every year. However, falling is not a normal part of aging. Every older adult has the power to prevent a fall.”

Be ready: Education is the most important step to being ready to prevent a fall. Enroll in today in Fall Prevention Day to learn how to address their fear of falling and what you can do to sustain their strength.

Be steady: Older adults can be steady if they take simple steps to prevent falls. These include talking with a doctor about medications, getting hearing and vision checkups, and assessing living spaces for hazards.
Be balanced: “Falls prevention is a team effort that takes a balance of education, preparation, and community support,” said Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director of NCOA’s National Falls Prevention Resource Center. “Falls Prevention Awareness Day is an opportunity to take a look at the world around us, be aware of falls hazards, and think about how we can make changes that will help our parents, grandparents, aging neighbors, and even ourselves safe from falls.”

The event is sponsored by CASI (Center for Active Seniors, Inc.), Milestones Area Agency on Aging, and St. Ambrose University Physical Therapy Department,

Please register by calling (563) 386-7477 or visit casiseniors.org.