Activate your health with our fall prevention programs
- SMARTfit: dual tasking; think while you move; very interactive; 2 times a week for 6 weeks ($25 for the series)
- BALANCEfit: dual tasking; balance machine; 2 times a week for 8 weeks (no charge)
- POWERfit: wall-mounted cable strength exercises following BALANCEfit completion (donations appreciated)
- Beginners Walking Group: Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. (minors must be accompanied by guardian) (no charge)
- Bingocize: Bingo and exercise; 10-week series (no charge)
- Matter of Balance: 8-week learning series (no charge)
- Tai Chi for Arthritis: 10-week exercise series (no charge)
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.
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.
BALANCEfit has been part of the District's Fall Prevention programming since 2021. This program focuses on reducing fall risks and improving cognition while progressing participants through a series of games that get more complex and challenging as you move through the levels.
A wide variety of games focus on cognitive and physical skills, some of which may be second nature, and some of which might be more challenging, especially for those with a cognitive impairment. Games are easy to learn and follow, while enhancing motor-skill learning and having fun!
The device tracks your performance and makes the games more challenging as you get better at them. An assessment evaluates physical and cognitive function, including reaction time, ability to take in information (brain), ability to process, and ability to then do the requested activity.
BALANCEfit is recommended twice a week for eight weeks, 30 minutes at a time, and there is no charge.
POWERfit is available to those who have completed at least one BALANCEfit series. POWERfit combines additional rounds of BALANCEfit games with the use of resistance bands to help strengthen the upper body, and build on the success of the previous BALANCEfit work.
POWERfit is designed as a more independent workout, which is why it requires a previously completed BALANCEfit series.
POWERfit is recommended twice a week for at least four weeks, and can be ongoing. Donations are greatly appreciated to support the free programs.
At the end of the six-week series, you receive another assessment to compare your improvement from when you started, such as your speed, scores, and correct answers/choices.
SMARTfit is 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 (lots of cheering from the staff!).
SMARTfit is designed for a variety of populations and abilities and immerses participants in playing “easy to learn” exercise games that are very engaging, challenging and motivating.
SMARTfit is our newest dual-task (think while moving) exercise machine that provides brain and body training, measuring cognitive-motor abilities. The program is geared toward improving balance and reducing the risk of falls. Participants complete a baseline (starting point) assessment, and receive an individualized program with recommended training games.
“This program is so much fun and before you know it you have improved your balance and strength, and have reduced your risk of falling," said Elsa Sierra, the District's Fall Prevention coordinator.
Play dual-tasking games with numbers, letters, shapes, and emoticons all while improving your balance, coordination, and reducing your risk for falls.
SMARTfit is recommended two times a week for six weeks; 30 minutes each time. Cost is $25 for the series.
SMARTfit’s Gamified Dual-Task Training Helps Create and Strengthen Neural Pathways so You Can:
· Make quicker, smarter decisions while moving.
· Execute physical and mental skills more efficiently.
· Process what you see faster so you can react faster.
· Train to get into the flow/zone quickly.
· Improve focus, balance, coordination, and speed.
· Build Cognitive Reserve to Delay Cognitive Decline.
In addition to the “Fit” programs, the District offers a variety of other fall prevention program options including a Beginners Walking Group, Bingocize, Matter of Balance, and Tai Chi for Arthritis.
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.)
To register for any of these classes or join an interest list, call 805-388-1952. To speak with Fall Prevention Coordinator Elsa Sierra, call 805-388-1952, ext. 113.
