Idaho seniors falling more

HAYDEN - Panhandle Health District is reaching more seniors than it has in past years with its free Fit and Fall Proof classes in an effort to reduce the high number of falls and injuries among older people.

More seniors in Idaho die from falls than in most states and the majority of those who fall in Idaho are female. In 2009, Idaho Emergency Medical Services responded to 8,618 fall-related calls from people age 65 and older.

Falls shouldn't be part of the aging process, says Lisa Gardom, coordinator of the Fit and Fall Proof program through PHD. We want to do everything we can to keep our seniors healthy, so we're training more Fit and Fall Proof instructors and adding programs.

PHD sponsors 19 Fit and Fall Proof classes in the five northern counties. In September alone, four new classes have started in Oldtown, Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene.

Nearly 500 people have participated in the free classes in the last year. Many of those people have attended multiple sessions. The classes meet two and three times each week for an hour each session.

Fit and Fall Proof offers participants low to moderate intensity exercises designed to reduce the risk of falls and improve mobility, balance and strength. The classes typically are taught by seniors.

Exercises are adapted for people of all abilities, from those in wheelchairs to those who are physically fit. The classes are held in community centers, churches, senior centers and senior living facilities.

Participants gain physical strength and mobility but also expand their social network. People in the classes often become friends, check on each other and do activities together outside of classes.

PHD lists the class sites and times on its website, www.phd1.idaho.gov, under Classes Scheduled on the QuickLinks menu. For information on classes, call Lisa Gardom at 415-5242.