Upcoming Events
2025 Series
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is September 23-27, 2024
During this nationwide observance, state coalitions and partners aim to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and to help diminish the fear of falling for older adults.
Falls are preventable. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injury among older New Yorkers. Falls threaten the safety and independence of older adults, while generating vast economic and personal costs. Falls and injuries resulting from falls can be reduced through awareness, evidence-based interventions, clinical fall risk assessment and referral, and home modifications.
It is essential to educate older adults and caregivers about how to lower their risk of falling. Below are some tips:
Stay active. Focus on or add activities that improve leg strength and balance. Evidenced-based interventions showing positive results include A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi for Arthritis, and Stepping On. Some activity is better than none. Talk to your doctor before starting a physical activity program.
Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Bring a list of your medicines (including over the counter and supplements) to your doctor or pharmacist. As you age, medicines may work differently in your body. Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy, increasing your risk of a fall.
Make your home safer. Most falls happen at home! Use this fall hazard checklist to find and fix hazards in your home and to make it safer:
- Clear stairs, hallways, and walkways of items you can trip over (throw rugs, pet-related items, wires, papers, books, clothes, shoes).
Use double-sided tape to keep rugs from slipping.- Install grab bars next to your toilet, tub, or shower.
- Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and shower.
- Install more or brighter lights.
- Put handrails and lights on all staircases.
- Use a nightlight in the bathroom.
- Wear shoes (not slippers) inside and outside of the house.
Have your vision checked. Get your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Poor vision can increase your risk of falling.
The New York State Office for Aging will be hosting, LIVE with Greg Olsen “Preventing Slips and Falls” on September 26, 2024 at 1PM on YouTube. Join guests from New York State Department of Health and Stony Brook Medicine. Please share with your partners, friends, and loved ones to watch here.
For more information on older adult fall prevention and Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2024, please visit:
Older Adults: Stay Steady, Stay Strong
Older Adults Stay Steady, Stay Strong publication
Here is an informational article about the benefits of Tai Chi for seniors. Click on the title of the article to open, read and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Tai Chi for Seniors
Starting on November 22nd, NY Project Hope will be starting a new Grieving and Healing Online Wellness Group on Mondays at 5:30 pm. (The group description can be found below.) Will you share this update with your network? Grieving and Healing Online Wellness Group Description: This group provides a safe space to help you face the challenges that come with the grief and loss associated with the Coronavirus. Join to receive support and discuss experiences such as the loss of a loved one, diminished social support, the loss of employment and other related topics. Our online wellness groups are open to everyone; no registration is needed. The groups are free, confidential and anonymous. For more information about all of the NY Project Hope Online Wellness Groups, visit: https://nyprojecthope.org/wellnessgroups/.
Interested in becoming part of an online community where you can learn new skills, connect with others and unlock new life experiences for free?
As a New Yorker, you can now access free interactive classes on GetSetUp. Sign in or register on New York’s eLearning Channel today at http://www.getsetup.io/schedule. Most sessions are 60 minutes and they will let you know the level of the class. Everything is free! Here are some examples of classes available now:
Develop your Photography Skills Painting Club
Exercises that Boost Mental Health Learn Line Dancing
Low Impact Aerobics How to Cook for One or Two
