Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department works with senior centers, assisted living facilities, senior care agencies and other community organizations to offer two evidence-based programs that have been proven to help older adults reduce their risk of falling. Stepping On & Tai Chi for Arthritis are evidence-based and recognized as effective programs for reducing falls in those aged 60 and older.
Stepping On
Stepping On empowers older adults to carry out health behaviors that reduce the risks of falls. It is a community-based workshop offered once a week for seven weeks in a small-group setting. Topics covered include: vision, outdoor safety, footwear, medication management, home safety, mobility aids, balance and exercise. Older adults who should attend are those who: a) are at risk of falling, b) have a fear of falling, or c) who have fallen one or more times. Workshops are facilitated by trained leaders and it offers a variety of guest speakers from medical and safety backgrounds.
It is the process in which the program is taught that makes it most effective. Classes are highly participative; mutual support and success build the participants' confidence in their ability to manage their health behaviors to reduce the risk of falls and to maintain active and fulfilling lives. Please check our calendar of events for specific class information or call us to inquire about upcoming classes in your community!
Tai Chi
One out of three adults over 65 fall every year and many of those falls will involve injury. Falls have a huge cost, both in terms of dollars and independence. Tai Chi has been recommended as a "Best Practice" to prevent falls for older adults. ELVPHD has had over 300 people take part in our Tai Chi classes and of those participants who completed the Tai Chi series, 77% improved their Timed-Up-And-Go mobility measure from the first to final class!
Benefits of Tai Chi:
- Improved social and mental well-being
- Improved balance and physical functioning
- Improved confidence in conducting daily activities
- Maintain independence and improved quality of life
In order to offer Tai Chi classes in communities throughout our health district, we rely on the dedication and teamwork of volunteer instructors throughout our service area. If you are interested in becoming a Tai Chi instructor for ELVPHD, please check out our "Get Involved" page.
Reviewed: 11/2022