A fall can change more than a moment. For older adults, it can affect mobility, confidence, and independence long after the initial injury. More than one in four adults age 65 and older reports falling each year, making falls prevention an important part of healthy aging.
The good news is that there are practical ways to reduce fall risk. Building strength, improving balance, and staying active can all help support safer movement in everyday life, from climbing stairs and carrying groceries to getting up from a chair. The CDC specifically recommends exercises that strengthen the legs and improve balance as part of falls prevention.
Build Strength and Balance Year-Round
At the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, members can find opportunities throughout the year to work on the skills that support balance, mobility, and confidence.
Enhance®Fitness is an evidence-based program designed for adults who are at risk of falling or managing arthritis. Participants work on strength, balance, and flexibility through group exercise and regular progress tracking.
Depending on location and classes schedules, members can also find options such as Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Aqua Mobility, Silver Fit, and other low-impact group exercise classes. Water exercise provides a supportive environment for working on mobility and strength, while classes such as Tai Chi and Chair Yoga give participants an opportunity to practice controlled movement, balance, and flexibility.
Strength training can also play an important role. Building and maintaining muscle supports the everyday movements that help people stay steady and independent.
Explore Falls Prevention Awareness Week
From September 21 through 25, eight YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties locations will offer Falls Prevention Awareness Week events designed to help community members build confidence, improve balance, and learn practical ways to reduce fall risk.
Events will be held at Bremerton Family YMCA, Gordon Family YMCA, Haselwood Family YMCA, Lakewood Family YMCA, Pearl Street Family YMCA, Mel Korum Family YMCA, Tacoma Center YMCA, and Tom Taylor Family YMCA.
Offerings vary by location and include balance and strength workshops, Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Aqua Mobility, Silver Fit, fitness orientations, falls prevention expos, and session focused on skills such as safely getting up from the floor.
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is also a chance to explore activities that can support strength, mobility, and balance well beyond September. Whether someone is trying a class for the first time or looking for new ways to stay active, these events can help connect them with programs and resources available at the Y throughout the year.
Visit our Falls Prevention Awareness Week event page to see what’s happening at your local Y.