Programs to help seniors stretch and develop postural stability and awareness of body positioning in space are helpful to overall wellness. Older adults can also use chairs safely for balancing exercises. (Getty images)
A $600,000 federal grant awarded to the Rhode Island Department of Health will fund programming to reduce the risk of falling among older adults and adults with disabilities living in low-income households in three communities.
State health officials will collaborate with public housing authorities in Woonsocket, Providence, and East Providence housing authorities to expand evidence-based fall-prevention programs like A Matter of Balance and Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance . They will also work with community providers on fall prevention training and improve the collection of data from emergency responders.
The announcement of the funding Thursday coincides with Falls Prevention Week , which ends Friday, a nationwide public health initiative to raise awareness that falls are preventable and encourage older adults and their families to be vigilant about potential hazards. Preventing falls is a key strategy to ensure that older adults can age in place in the comfort of their own homes.