Stepping On workshops are making a difference in people's lives

When wrapping up one of our Stepping On workshops, it was interesting to hear about some of the changes participants had made because of the seven-week program.

“I de-junked my apartment,” one of them said.

Another completed a medication review with her pharmacist and wound up getting a medication change. A third participant said she changed the way she gets in and out of her car and felt less fearful about her mobility concerns.

Helping participants reduce their fear of falling is one of the major goals of Stepping On, a program I facilitate with Kate Shumaker, family and consumer Sciences educator for Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County. The sessions give participants strategies for avoiding falls, including balance and strength exercises and identifying home hazards. It also covers issues such as safe footwear and clothing; vision and falls; safety in public places; community mobility; coping after a fall; getting up from a fall, and understanding how to initiate a medication review.

We are preparing to facilitate a new session, starting Oct. 15 and continuing each Tuesday until Nov. 26, in the Shisler Center’s Anderson Room at The Ohio State University Wooster campus, 1680 Madison Ave. The Anderson Room is located just inside the Shisler center’s main entrance. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Stepping On workshop is designed specifically for people who are age 60 or older and have fallen or have a fear of falling. A fall can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of older adults. They can be injured, or out of a fear of falling become isolated and depressed, resulting in a loss of mobility and, in turn, strength and balance. This puts them at a greater risk of falling.

One in four adults has a fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the good news is that falls are not a normal part of aging and can be prevented. The Stepping On program has been researched and proven to reduce falls by 31%.

In our workshops, we take fall prevention step by step, so participants learn to build and maintain the physical strength and balance they need to walk confidently.

We have a dedicated group of guest experts who help us facilitate our sessions. They include an occupational therapist, pharmacist, vision specialist and community safety expert. All contribute valuable information about how we can stay safe on our feet and feel independent.

Additionally, participants have the chance to share their stories. We also invite those who have taken part in our previous workshops to return to talk about what they are doing differently since attending a workshop. This has included one of our oldest participants who remains dedicated to the exercises she learned in Stepping On.

If you would like to take steps to prevent falls, I hope you will consider joining us for our next workshop.

Laurie Sidle is an Ohio State University Extension family and consumer siences and 4-H program assistant and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or sidle.31@osu.edu .

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu .

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Stepping On workshops are making a difference in people's lives