Local 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.

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, fitness program designed for older adults, aged 65+ 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 a 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 

Become a SAIL Leader 

Interested in becoming a SAIL leader to offer this class in your community?  

Stepping On

Stepping On is a seven-week, evidence-based program designed to help older adults reduce their risk of falls and fear of falling. Participants attend a weekly, two-hour session that includes an interactive discussion, storytelling, and 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

Become a Stepping On Facilitator 

Interested in becoming a Stepping On facilitator to offer this class in your community?  

 

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:

  • 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 

Additional Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Information 

Become a Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Leader 

Interested in becoming a Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention leader to offer this class in your community?

 

Find a Class

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