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
- Stepping On Fact Sheet
- Stepping On: Evidence-Based Program
- National Council on Aging (NCOA)
- Preventing Falls with Stepping On
- Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WHIA)
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
- SAIL Fact Sheet
- SAIL: Evidence-Based Program
- National Council on Aging (NCOA)
- SAIL Program
- SAIL Seminars
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
- Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Program Information
- Tai Chi for Health Institute
- Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention Evidence-Based Program
- National Council on Aging (NCOA)