Montana Falls Prevention Classes

Falling is not a normal part of aging. 

You can prevent falls by doing the right exercises, making your home safer, getting regular health checkups, and attending an evidence-based falls prevention program. 

The Montana Falls Prevention Program supports the Stepping On, Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL), and Tai Chi or Arthritis & Falls Prevention classes.

Stepping On

Stepping On is an evidence-based falls prevention program that reduces falls among older adults.

Stepping On course is a seven-week program designed to help older adults reduce their risk for falls. Participants attend a weekly, two-hour session that includes an interactive discussion, storytelling, and practice exercises. 

Stepping On Topics Covered:

  • Balance and strength exercises
  • Identifying home hazards
  • Safe footwear
  • Link between vision and falling
  • Medication review
  • Community mobility and safety in public places
  • Coping after a fall

Who is Eligible to Attend Stepping On?

Anyone who is:

  • 60 years or older
  • Has fallen or has a fear of falling
  • Lives independently in a home or an apartment
  • Does not solely rely on a cane, walk, or other walking assistive devices to move around
  • Does not have dementia

Stepping On Benefits

  • Reduce falls by 31%
  • Decrease fear of falling
  • Adapt new safety behaviors

Additional Stepping On Information

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL)

Stay Active & Impendent for Life (SAIL) is an evidence-based arthritis management and falls prevention programs. 

SAIL is a 12-week, falls prevention fitness program designed for older adults, aged 65+, in Montana that focuses on strength, balance, and mobility--which reduces the risk of falls and improves overall quality of life.

SAIL Fitness Class Includes:

  • Every class focuses on balance, strength, and stretching exercise
  • Exercises can be done sitting or standing
    • Suited for all fitness levels
  • Fitness check
    • At the first class and the end of the 12-weeks to track progress

Who is Eligible to Attend SAIL?

Anyone who is:

  • 65 years or older
  • Has fallen or has fear of falling
  • Looking to get stronger 

SAIL Fitness Class Benefits:

  • Reduce the risk of falling
  • Improve balance, mobility, and leg strength
    • All known risk factors for falling
  • Maintain independence by building strength, improving balance, and agility

Additional SAIL Information

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention is an evidence-based arthritis management and falls prevention uses gentle Sun-style Tai Chi. 

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention is offered either for 8-weeks, two times per week for one-hour or 16-weeks, once a week for one-hour. The movements are designed to improve range of motion, flexibility, balance, and posture, that is safe, easy to learn, and suitable for every fitness level.

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Program

  • Every class starts with a warm-up
  • Learn a new movement to build off the previous class
  • All moves can be done sitting or standing
    • Suited for all fitness levels
  • Complete the class with a cool-down

Who is Eligible to Attend Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention?

Anyone

  • Looking for a gentle movement class
  • Wanting to manage arthritis symptoms
  • Reduce chances of falling or falling again

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Benefits

  • Improves range of motion
  • Increase flexibility
  • Better balance and posture
  • Promotes relaxation and stress reduction
    • Through deep breathing and being focused in the present moment
  • Decrease pain
  • Prevent falls by 70%

Additional Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Information

Find a Class

Click on the map to locate a falls prevention class in your community.
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