Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls are costly, in dollars and in quality of life. However, falling is not an inevitable part of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based programs, and community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be reduced substantially.
Preventing Falls
Falls can be dangerous for older adults, but they are avoidable. Simple steps can help:
- Regularly review your medications with your doctor to avoid side effects that can affect your balance.
- Have your vision, prescription eyewear, and hearing checked regularly. These are important aids to good balance.
- Keep your living space balance-friendly. Remove low obstacles that are tripping hazards, and make sure carpet edges are secure from catching your feet.
- Considerer a rolling walker or other aid to help you maneuver at home or away from home safely.
- Take falls prevention training (like MSDH'S free A Matter of Balance program below) to help improve your balance, confidence and awareness of hazards.
Falls Free CheckUp
Answer 13 simple questions to get your falls risk score and resources to prevent falls.
Falls Prevention Workshops from MSDH
A Matter of Balance
Our A Matter of Balance workshop is an evidence-based program designed to reduce the fear of falling, stop the fear-of-falling cycle, and increase activity levels. Because most falls occur during routine activities and are not caused by just one issue, the training stresses the preventable nature of falls by focusing on participants' day-to-day concerns.
- Cost: Free
- Attendance: In-person or virtual
- Workshop Length: Two-hour sessions either once a week for 8 weeks or twice a week for 4 weeks
- Participants: At least 8 , and no more than 12
- Who can benefit: Adults 60+ who are ambulatory, able to problem solve, concerned about falling, interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength, who may have fallen in the past, and have restricted their activities because of concerns about falling
Learn more by calling 601‑576‑7877 or by sending e-mail to Healthy.Aging@msdh.ms.gov. You can also fill in your contact information with the button below, and we'll let you know about upcoming workshops.
Bingocize
Bingocize is an evidenced-based program designed to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Bingocize combines exercise and health information with the familiar game of bingo to create a fun way to get seniors moving and socializing. Simple exercises, such as reaching upward, or rotating wrists or ankles, improve balance and range of motion.
- Cost: Free
- Attendance: In-person or virtual
- Workshop Length: 10 weeks, once a week for 1-2 hours
- Participants: At least 8 , and no more than 20
- Who can benefit: Sedentary older adults at all physical ability levels
Learn more by calling 601‑576‑7877 or by sending e-mail to Healthy.Aging@msdh.ms.gov. You can also fill in your contact information with the button below, and we'll let you know about upcoming workshops.
Walk With Ease
The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease is an evidence-based physical activity and self-management education program. While walking is the central activity, Walk with Ease also includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies.
- Cost: Free
- Attendance: In-person or virtual
- Workshop Length: 6-week sessions that meet three times a week for one hour on non-consecutive days (a total of 18 sessions)
- Participants: 12–15
- Who can benefit: Adults with arthritis, who want to be more active, including adults in rural areas
- Goals: Decreased pain, increased strength, increased balance, increased self-efficacy
Learn more by calling 601‑576‑7877 or by sending e-mail to Healthy.Aging@msdh.ms.gov. You can also fill in your contact information with the button below, and we'll let you know about upcoming workshops.
The Falls Free Mississippi Coalition
The Falls Free Mississippi Coalition (FFMC) is a statewide partnership committed to reducing falls and improving the quality of life for all Mississippians.
Through collaboration with healthcare, public health, community and faith-based organizations, aging and veteran services, educators, social services, and policy leaders, FFMC identifies risks, strengthens resources, and advances systems and policies that help people stay safe, independent and on their feet.
Membership is open to anyone who shares a commitment to safer, healthier communities, including healthcare and public health professionals, community and faith-based organizations, aging and disability services, first responders, advocates, policymakers, caregivers and residents.
Resources
- 6 Steps for Preventing Falls Among Your Older Loved Ones NCOA
- Debunking the Myths of Older Adults and Falls NCOA
- National Falls Prevention Resource Center NCOA
- National Council on Aging
For more information, or to schedule A Matter of Balance training, contact:
MSDH Falls Prevention Program
601-576-7216
Healthy.Aging@msdh.ms.gov
MSDH offers our falls prevention programs and services through funds received from the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
