A bad fall can be the beginning of the end for some seniors, as falling is one of the greatest causes of injury to people over age 65. Experts say it is important to be vigilantly active you age. The Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs and the New Mexico Adult Falls Prevention Coalition are trying to prevent that by providing a free fall screening event, which includes strength and balance tests, home safety education, shoe fit clinic and education on how seniors can decrease the chances of a fall.
“Helping seniors safely age in place is the core of our mission that surrounds the work we do every day,” said Anna Sanchez, director of Senior Affairs. “Falls jeopardize the safety and independence for the older adults we serve, and it is imperative we encourage preventative measures to help decrease this threat just as we would any other health risk.”
The free screening and assessments will be performed by students from University of New Mexico physical therapy and occupational therapy programs as well as Central New Mexico Community College physical therapy assistant programs.
There will be podiatrists from the NM Foot and Ankle Institute, as well as fitness demos from the 50+ Sports & Fitness Program on utilizing senior specific fitness equipment. Participants will receive a falls risk report to take to health care providers for follow up. The event is set for Friday, Sept. 23, at the Palo Duro Sports and Fitness Center, 3351 Monroe NE, from 8 a.m. until noon. It is free and open to the public.
