September is Falls Prevention Month, an opportunity to remind older adults, their families, and caregivers that falls are not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, there are practical steps people can take to reduce their risk.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) emphasizes a simple but important message: falls can be prevented. According to NCOA, more than one in four older adults fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older Americans.
The good news is that there are ways to lower fall risk and remain active and independent. One proven way to help prevent falls is to improve strength and balance. That can be as simple as finding an exercise program that works for you.
At Chelsea Senior Center (CSC), older adults have many opportunities to do just that.
“Staying active is about so much more than exercise,” said Jennifer Smith, Executive Director of Chelsea Senior Center. “It’s about maintaining the strength, balance, and confidence to continue doing the things you enjoy. We want everyone to find a way to move at CSC that feels right for them, whether that’s yoga, tai chi, dancing, hiking, or simply working on balance.”
One of CSC’s most comprehensive options is Enhance Fitness, an evidence-based fitness program designed to improve the overall functional fitness and well-being of older adults. The hour-long class includes cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, flexibility, and balance exercises. Classes are led by certified instructors and meet at 9:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Thanks to the Washtenaw Community College Senior Emeritus Program, the Monday Enhance Fitness class is free during scheduled WCC semesters.
For CSC member Milly Williams, Enhance Fitness offers something just as important as the physical benefits: the opportunity to have fun with others. “I like all of the people. They’re fun, and I enjoy the laughter that we have during class,” she shared.
That combination of movement and social connection is an important part of what makes exercise sustainable. Finding an activity that is enjoyable and doing it with others can make it easier to keep moving as part of a regular routine.
For those looking for a shorter class focused specifically on balance, instructor Pam Mansfield leads Improving Your Balance, a 30-minute class Mondays from 11–11:30 a.m. Mansfield leads participants through exercises designed to improve their ability to stay standing, maintain better balance, and reduce their risk of falling.
Yoga at Chelsea Senior Center offers a welcoming way to support mobility and well-being. Instructor Dianna Kause leads Gentle Yoga Mondays from 9:30–10:30 a.m. and Chair Yoga Thursdays from 11 a.m.–noon. “A regular yoga practice creates flexibility, balance, and strength in the body and mind,” said Kause. “Give it a try; the simplest way to begin a yoga practice is simply to begin.” These classes are also free through the WCC Senior Emeritus Program.
For those interested in a practice that combines movement, balance, and focus, instructor Karla Groesbeck offers both Beginning and Intermediate Tai Chi on Fridays, also supported by the WCC Senior Emeritus Program.
And the options don’t stop there.
Participants can get moving with Movin’ & Groovin’, a fun 30-minute seated exercise class led by Macks Kreps of Ballet Chelsea on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 9:45 a.m. Or try Body Core Strengthening with instructor Barb Kindt on Wednesdays from 11–11:30 a.m.
Together, these programs offer a wide range of choices.
Whether someone prefers a traditional exercise class, yoga, tai chi, dance-inspired movement, or a short class focused on balance and core strength, there is an opportunity to find a form of movement that feels comfortable and enjoyable.
That’s important because maintaining strength and balance isn’t just about exercise; it’s about maintaining independence and confidence in everyday life.
NCOA encourages older adults to learn their own falls risk by taking its Falls Free CheckUp, a free online assessment that provides a personalized falls risk score along with information and resources to help reduce risk.
Take the Falls Free CheckUp at ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup. Then take the next step: keep moving. Join a class at CSC, or try several, to build strength, flexibility, and balance while enjoying the social connection that comes with being active together. At Chelsea Senior Center, there’s at least one movement class every day and a welcoming instructor ready to help you get moving. Find out more on CSC’s website.
Staying strong and steady can help you keep doing the things you love, so you can keep writing the next chapter of your life.
Chelsea Senior Center (CSC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located at 512 Washington Street in Chelsea, Michigan. CSC is dedicated to building community, creating connections, and enriching the lives of older adults and their families. Guided by its vision of a world where all are valued, supported, and empowered as we age, CSC serves Chelsea and surrounding communities. To learn more, visit chelseaseniors.org, email [email protected], or call 734.475.9242.
