By TERRY PUGH
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations in Canada, according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
And for older adults, the consequences of falling are serious. Roughly 35% of hospitalizations related to falls are from a fractured hip, and 80% of fractures are caused by osteoporosis. Seniors also tend to have longer hospital stays as a result of fall-related injuries.
That’s the bad news.
The good news is that a seniors organization in Osler is taking steps to keep folks from falling into bad situations.
The Osler Forever in Motion group is hosting a special 12-week program appropriately called ‘Staying on your feet’ which runs Tuesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Osler Community Hall. The program begins September 22 and runs weekly until December 8.
Osler Forever in Motion spokesperson Diane Jasnoch said the weekly program consists of a 30-minute educational component focused on education, with topics such as fall prevention, home safety, nutrition, bone health, medications, vision, walkers, foot care and other topics.
“Falls are preventable,” said Jasnoch. “The ‘Staying on your feet’ program helps people recognize the risks and mitigate hazards in their home. It also helps them develop a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity to keep bones and joints in good health.”
The ‘Staying on your feet’ program offers tips to seniors on safe balance exercises.
“Guest speakers will be a pharmacist, social worker, occupational therapist, physical therapist and exercise therapists,” said Jasnoch. “After the education part, the participants are invited to stay for 45 minutes of fitness led by a member of their team.”
The program includes progressive balance and strengthening exercises, and participants will receive practical advice on how to set up a personal safety plan and practice ‘how to get up off the floor’ if they do fall.
Jasnoch said participants for the program are asked to sign up prior to September 22 by contacting her via email at djasnoch@sasktel.net.
Forever in Motion is an initiative of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The program, initially started in Saskatoon in 2002, aims to improve and maintain the health of older adults through physical activity and education.
The Osler Forever in Motion group began in 2014 with exercise and educational sessions originally held at the Osler Mennonite Church. In 2017, the location was moved to the Osler Community Hall, where it holds regular fitness sessions Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., from September until the end of April.
The group’s four peer leaders are all volunteers, and the Town of Osler provides the venue to the organization without charge. All equipment used in the fitness programs has been purchased through a Saskatchewan Lotteries grant through the Town of Osler.
Participants in the fitness classes are asked to wear running shoes and also bring a water bottle and a smile.