Today kicks off Fall Prevention Week. This  nationwide observance aims to improve awareness, reduce falls and help older adults feel safe and confident in their daily lives. 

If you are wondering what you can do to make strides in Fall Prevention, Camarillo Health Care District is a good source for Fall Prevention classes. In fact, thanks to the community's support, the District was recognized in 2024 with an innovation award for its Fall Prevention programming, specifically our BALANCEfit and POWERfit programs. In addition, the District offers SMARTfit, CARDIOfit (Pedaling the Planet), Tai Chi for Arthritis, Matter of Balance, Bingocize and Walking Group to assist with Fall Prevention.

Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. The CDC reports that 1 in 4 adults age 65+ fall every year, resulting in 3 million admissions to ER. Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury and death from injury among older adults.

The burden of falls on quality of life is expected to grow alongside the older adult population in the United States in the coming years. However, Fall  Prevention programs are a powerful antidote, delivering significant health improvements and substantial economic benefits.

Our BALANCEfit, POWERfit and SMARTfit programs aim to reduce your risk of falling. Studies have shown cognitive-motor dual-task training, which is a focus of both programs, is beneficial to improving balance and executive function, therefore reducing overall fall risk. Furthermore, with the addition of resistance training in POWERfit, muscle strength improves and that can help with balance and reduce falls. When muscles are stronger, we are less likely to fall, which is a major public health concern in older adults.

SMARTfit provides physical and cognitive training disguised as fun games that make you think while you move.  It is designed to deliver preventative and rehabilitative solutions to cognitive functions as well as motor functions. Its unique approach to improving physical, cognitive and mental health is engaging, exciting and very interactive.

To register for one of our Fall Prevention classes, call 805-388-1952.

TIPS TO REDUCE FALLS

• Remove throw rugs and clutter from the home.
• Add grab bars to bathrooms.
• Do balance and strength training exercises (this is where our Fit activities can help!).
• Have your vision checked.

Adding a dual-tasking fall reduction and cognitive training program, such as our trio of Fit activities, can improve BOTH physical and cognitive function and address the risk factor of dual-task attention impairments.

REASONS FOR FALLS

• Sensory impairments (poor vision, ear issues that cause imbalance).
• Motor impairment (decreased muscle strength, limited joint ROM, uneven weight bearing).
• Cognitive impairments. (Slower processing capabilities, impaired attention, breakdown in executive functioning, which are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks.)

6 STEPS TO PREVENT A FALL

Check out these helpful tips: