The Waynesboro Family YMCA is partnering with the National Council on Aging to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Saturday, Sept. 22.
Falls are a leading cause of injury for people aged 65 and older, but they are not an inevitable part of aging and there are proven ways to prevent them. The Waynesboro Y’s fun community event will empower older adults to stay active, independent, and safe in their homes and communities.
The Y will be performing free balance assessments, demonstrate safe strengthening exercises and introduce Tai Chi for balance. The Y will also be partnering with Virginia Program for Aging Services to present “Matter of Balance” in October, an interactive program that will address fears about falling and ways to prevent falls.
“If falls prevention isn’t something that you’re thinking about now, I promise there is someone in your life who’s worried about it,” YMCA Fitness Director Jeff Hersch said. “This kind of education can change a community, and that’s why we’re proud to support NCOA’s Falls Prevention Awareness Day efforts as part of our year-round commitment to supporting older adults in The Waynesboro area.”
“Falls prevention is a team effort that takes a balance of education, intervention, and community support,” said Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director of NCOA’s National Falls Prevention Resource Center. “This annual coordinated celebration is an opportunity to look at the world around us, be aware of falls hazards, and take action to stay safe from falls.”
In addition to the event at The Waynesboro Y, NCOA is hosting a Falls Prevention Awareness Day national photo contest, a Twitter chat about medication management and falls prevention on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 2:30 p.m. ET, and a Facebook Live discussion with a pharmacist about the importance of medication management in reducing falls on Thursday, Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. ET.
To find out more about Falls Prevention Awareness Day, go to www.ncoa.org/FPAD.
About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. NCOA empowers individuals with trusted solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and protects and strengthens federal programs that people depend on as they age. Working with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA’s goal is to improve the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging.
About the Waynesboro Family YMCA
The Waynesboro Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community. With a commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.
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