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Program for seniors aims to prevent falls Finding BALANCE
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
As people age, many are confronted by a balancing act. Keeping one’s footing becomes a challenge that’s accompanied by a fear of falling.
A program, “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls,” is offered in the Mahoning Valley. It is being presented at Senior Center of Mahoning County, 1110 Fifth Ave., by Jen Lyszaz, assistant program director at Girard Multi-Generational Center, 433 Trumbull Ave., Girard, and Jackie Giuriceo, activities and outreach specialist.
Mona Mangiarelli, director of the Youngstown senior center, said the eight sessions are funded through a grant from Area Agency on Aging Chapter 11.
“The program is in their best interest ... to keep seniors in their homes with a good quality of life,” she said. The balance program was developed by Maine Health’s Partnership for Healthy Aging.
Lyszaz said the balance program’s main goal “is to prevent falls.” That’s accomplished through information in a workbook and strengthening exercises. The program is underway at the Youngstown center; Lyszaz and Giuriceo present it at various senior sites. It covers concerns about falling, exercises and preventive measures, managing concerns, and recognizing hazards in the home.
A recent session focused on the mental aspect. Lyszaz said some seniors who have a fear of falling or those who have fallen will allow that to influence them. “If they’ve fallen and not gotten hurt, they might be OK. But if they got injured, now they’re worried about broken bones,” Lyszaz said. “They might experience a gradual change from not being afraid to worrying about falling.” This situation erodes confidence, she added.
Fear of falling might affect decisions whether to attend an event or go to church, she said.
“At church, people should remember ushers are there to help and no one should feel embarrassed about asking,” she said.
Lyszaz said the balance program addresses fears related to balance on mind and body levels. In the workbook, information focuses on “replacing fears with constructive ideas.” Exercises involving stretches help strengthen muscles and that in turn helps prevent falls. “When muscles are weak, you’re more prone to falls,” Lyszaz said. “Thigh muscles hold and support our bodies ... they get weaker with age.”
There are stretches and exercises for the wrists because people tend to try to brace their falls.
Giuriceo led the exercises in the session. She told participants that wearing footwear “with a good tread” helps on icy surfaces. “Don’t shuffle,” she warned. “There are devices ... almost like sports spikes that can be used.”
Giuriceo led participants through a series of exercises that involved the wrists, arms, shoulders, ankles and legs. “You’ll really feel it in some muscles,” she said.
Pat Miller of Austintown said she has fallen and feels her legs are weak. She wanted to do something pro-active to help herself.
Barbara Brown of Youngstown said she has concerns about balance. “You feel the exercises. I hope they help.”
DeAnn Renstrom of Struthers said she interested “in anything that will prevent falls.”
Angie Waschak of Berlin Center, who said she has a bad back, thought the exercises would be beneficial.