PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Healthy Living for ME, a partnership between three Area Agencies on Aging — Spectrum Generations of Augusta, SeniorsPlus of Lewiston and Aroostook Agency on Aging of Presque Isle– has received a three-year, $450,000 grant to expand and promote classes which focus on fall prevention for older adults.
Gerard Queally, president and CEO of Spectrum Generations, said, “Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans, but falling is not an inevitable part of aging. These falls prevention classes are proven to help older adults reduce their risk of falling and we are thrilled to be receiving this funding to continue working with our partners throughout Maine to offer the education, resources, and skills they provide.”
Falls prevention classes, like A Matter of Balance, emphasize practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
Healthy Living for ME currently provides a single-point of entry to a statewide network of workshops that empower adults to address and better manage their health issues. Workshops focus on improving balance and preventing falls, as well as managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, chronic pain, heart disease, COPD, arthritis and diabetes.
A full listing of workshops available in throughout Maine and searchable by zip code can be found online at www.healthylivingforme.org. For more information call 1 (800) 620-6036.
