A fall changed Bev Sutherland's life. Just before Thanksgiving the 82-year-old slipped on ice, breaking her arm. The complicated break required a lot of hardware for a while, including a metal bar and wires.
"It's still healing but it was quite a work of art, I'll tell you," said Sutherland, who has since moved into the senior living community at Lighthouse of Superior.
The Superior woman was among the first 11 participants in a new class focused on preventing falls, "A Matter of Balance." The free eight-session course is offered at Lighthouse of Superior by volunteers from Senior Connections.
"This is a wonderful program," said instructor Kathleen Gates, and interest in the classes is huge.
More than one-third of adults ages 65 and older fall each year. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. But fear of falling can lead to decreased mobility and, as a result, increased risk for falls.
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"Attitude is as much a part of it as the physical aspect," Gates said.
So "A Matter of Balance" addresses seniors' fears while providing exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
Regina Kania, 83, knew she needed help to address fall prevention. Before taking the class, she was afraid to do anything that you had to bend over for. Now, she's more sure of herself and her balance is improving.
"I think it gives you more confidence in yourself and what you can do or how you can do it," said Kania, a Superior native.
One 83-year-old participant said a fear of falling didn't keep her from doing things, but it slowed her down. She said continuing to exercise will flex her muscles and keep her more limber.
If a senior is too anxious to take a walk, Gates encourages them to pinpoint what makes them anxious -- the gravel road, uneven pavement -- and find a solution, such as using a walking stick or going with a friend.
"It's taking those negative thoughts about going out of the house and trying to solve them," she said.
Last week, participants drew up an exercise action plan. Not only did they choose a time and place to continue their exercises, they brainstormed possible obstacles they may run into and solutions. One participant told the class she found herself doing one of the exercises, the heel roll, during a church service.
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Other activities include fall-proofing homes, for instance getting rid of scatter rugs, improving lighting, clearing computer cords from the floor, installing grab bars in the shower and putting items that are used often on lower shelves in the kitchen.
"It's a way of helping people overcome these barriers for moving," Gates said, and making exercise doable by developing the ability to make good judgments about physical activity.
Lighthouse of Superior provided space for the free classes in the multi-purpose Superior Room.
"It's a great partnership," said executive director Brian Patterson. "The generation we serve, falls are a big deal." Senior Connections had the right tool and Lighthouse had the right environment.
"It's a win-win situation," Patterson said.
For more information about "A Matter of Balance" or to sign up for a class, call Senior Connections at (715) 394-3611.
