Health Promotion
Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging Health Promotion program provides diseases prevention services or health promotion programs to assist older adults in preventing illness and manage chronic physical conditions. Although illness and disability rates increase with age, research has demonstrated that health promotion and disease prevention activities can help promote healthy and independent lives for older individuals.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention services promote healthy aging and the maintenance of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being in older adults. An active healthy lifestyle can help older adults prolong their independence and improve their quality of life.
Blue Rivers AAA provides evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion programs, such as Tai Chi and Stepping On.
Tai Chi is a group program that focuses on improving functional ability, such as balance and physical function, to reduce fall-related risks and frequency. The program is led by trained Blue Rivers contractors.
The current program that focuses on 8 core moves derived from the 24 Yang style Tai Chi, was developed at ORI by Dr. Fuzhong Li and fellow researchers. It has been tested and demonstrated effective in decreasing the number of falls, the risk of falling, and fear of falling, and improving functional balance and physical performance among persons aged 70 and older.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) recognize the program as one of many evidence-based interventions for the prevention of falls.
The moves are slow, gentle movements that help participants focus on balance and reduce stress. It has been called meditation in motion. The class can be adapted to also benefit those who prefer to sit or who are confined to a wheelchair. The benefits to range of motion and one’s cardiopulmonary system will be noticed whether sitting or performing the gentle weight-transferring steps.
Stepping On is a community-based falls prevention program aimed at educating participants and building confidence to reduce or eliminate falls. Anyone who is age 60 and over, and has had a fall in the past year or is fearful of falling would benefit from Stepping On. Stepping On is a 7-week workshop that covers basic balance and strength exercises, discussions about medications that may increase fall risk, and lessons on how to move about safely identifying hazards around the home and community.
For more information about upcoming classes or to register call Blue Rivers AAA at 402-223-1376 or 888-989-9417.