(Atlantic) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults falls each year, making falls the leading cause of injury and injury-related death for this age group. From 2012 to 2021, the age-adjusted death rate from falls increased by 41%. In Iowa alone, more than 157,000 older adults reported falling in the past year.
Cass County Public Health has been offering A Matter of Balance since 2018 in response to the high rate of falls among Iowans age 65 and older. They will kick off a new session of A Matter of Balance on Monday, June 16, offering older adults a free, evidence-based program focused on reducing falls and managing the fear of falling.
The award-winning program features eight weekly, two-hour classes designed for small groups of 8 to 12 participants. Led by trained facilitators, the sessions aim to empower older adults to build confidence, identify fall risks in their homes, and improve physical activity to enhance strength and balance.
“Falls are common, costly, and most importantly—preventable,” said officials from Cass County Public Health. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this free program to stay safe and independent.”
For more information or to register, contact Cass County Public Health at 712-243-7443.
