LARSO News:
Did you know that one in four Americans older than age of 65 falls each year? Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans, and falling once doubles the risk of falling again. Even falls that do not result in injury can deeply impact the quality of life for older adults. A fear of falling can cause seniors to limit their activities and social engagements, which can result in physical decline, depression and isolation.
The good news is that falls can be prevented. Exercise, good nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and fall-proofing one’s residence or business are all practical steps that can be taken to prevent falls.
Los Alamos Retired & Senior Organization (LARSO) is offering several special events Monday, Sept. 23 to Friday, Sept. 27 to support Falls Prevention Awareness Week.
A Matter of Balance, an evidence-based fall prevention course through MaineHealth, starts Monday, Sept. 23 at White Rock Senior Activity Center. Classes are 9:30-11:30 a.m. for four weeks on Mondays and Wednesdays. The class size is limited to 12 people to ensure the instructors and participants can work together to learn about the many components of fall prevention. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions.
A Matter of Balance is FREE for all LARSO members age 60 and older. anyone interested in reserving a pot in the upcoming series should call 505.672.2034.
LARSO is also hosting two Yoga for Balance sessions with Heather Quinn from Little Bird Yoga. Both sessions are 2-2:45 p.m. and can be done with or without chairs. Yoga for Balance is free ($5 donation encouraged) and open to community members age 55 and older. Please call to register.
Support stability & mobility by attending one of the following yoga sessions:
- Monday, Sept. 23 at Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center (Call 505.662.8920)
- Thursday, Sept. 26 at White Rock Senior Activity Center (Call 505.672.2034)
Desaree Jimenez from the New Mexico State University Los Alamos Cooperative Extension Office will join in at the Senior Centers for two Lunch & Learn presentations on Osteoporosis & Bone Health. Attendees will collect their lunch at noon and then join Desaree in the classroom for a presentation 12:15-1 p.m. Lunch & Learn is free for LARSO members age 60 and older, $10 for nonmembers or members age 55-59. Please call to register.
- Tuesday, Sept. 23 at White Rock Senior Activity Center (Call 505.672.2034)
Lunch menu: Spinach Lasagna, vegetable medley, WW roll
- Thursday, Sept. 26 at Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center (Call 505-662-8920)
Lunch menu: Chicken Tikka Masala, brown rice, roasted cauliflower, cucumbers
Finally, join LARSO Case Manager Stacy Frers for a Q&A on how to fall-proof one’s home 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 at White Rock Senior Activity Center. Frers will share simple ways you can protect yourself or a loved one from unnecessary falls in each room of your home. This presentation is free and open to non-members. Please call 505.672.2034 to register.
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a nationwide initiative organized by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free Initiative. The focus is on educating and engaging with older adults about fall prevention through evidence-based programming and enlisting support from healthcare providers, community resources, friends, and family. Learn more about the NCOA and Falls Prevention Awareness Week by visiting ncoa.org.
The Los Alamos Senior Activity Centers offer classes, workshops, transportation, meals and much more for older adults in Los Alamos. The Betty Ehart and White Rock Centers are open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. Learn more at www.larso.org.
Source for Fall Statistics: Get the Facts on Falls Prevention. National Council on Aging. June 1, 2024. https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-falls-prevention/.