The aspens turning golden marks the season—and so does the first day of fall, September 22, as Fall Prevention Awareness Day, designated by the National Council on Aging. And all of September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month.

Contrary to what many believe, falls are not a normal part of aging—they can be prevented.

UCHealth is “AIMing” to help older adults prevent falls with the Aging with Independence and Mobility (AIM) program. This free class series offers tips on lifestyle adjustments, exercise and improving mobility, medication management and maintaining independence. It’s offered throughout the year in person and virtually and meets for one hour over four weeks. 

Even though falls are the number one cause of injuries and fatalities in adults 65 and older, many risk factors can be modified to reduce the likelihood of falls, according to UCHealth experts.

Brittany Dillahunty, a physical therapist, and Mary Ann Caterina, UCHealth Trauma Services education coordinator, demonstrate strength exercises.

“The fact is that falls are preventable at any age, and it’s crucial that we do what we can to address this problem,” said Brittany Dillahunty, a physical therapist, board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy and the lead instructor of UCHealth’s AIM program.

Dillahunty and her colleague, Lori Morgan, a paramedic and UCHealth injury prevention specialist, said the AIM program focuses on modifiable risk factors or variables people can control or change. 

For example, regular exercise can significantly improve strength and balance. 

“Staying active is key to preventing falls,” Morgan said. 

A lot of people think when they get older, they can’t improve their strength or balance, said Dillahunty. Although research has shown that exercises, if done consistently, can improve balance and strength at any age.

Each AIM class dedicates 30 minutes to practicing strength and balance exercises, with the remaining time focused on fall-prevention education.

Class topics include:

• The importance of getting annual eye exams. “Our vision is one of our main balance systems. As we get older, it’s crucial to get annual eye exams,” said Dillahunty.
  
  
• The need for appropriate footwear that is well-fitted with good traction.
  
  
• Home safety and potential hazards, such as steps, loose rugs and cords. “A lot of people will be in a home for decades,” Dillahunty said. “Their home may not have changed at all over the years, but they have changed. We discuss different types of safety equipment and home modifications and strategies to reduce their fall risk.”
  
  
• Medication reviews. “As we get older, our body’s ability to metabolize drugs changes, so drugs stay in our system longer and the risk of interaction side effects is greater,” Dillahunty said. “We provide education on the importance of reviewing medications every six to 12 months with a primary care provider or pharmacist to help reduce side effects.” 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, the U.S. will be home to 73 million people aged 65 and older.

“People are living longer and experiencing more comorbidities, which increases access demands on health care systems. It’s really important that we find affordable and effective community programs that promote healthy aging and reduce fall risks,” said Dillahunty.

AIM classes are open to anyone aged 50 and older, with no referral needed. From February 2021 to December 2023, more than 300 participants completed the program. UCHealth’s data shows promising results, with a 25-50% improvement in fall risk assessment scores over the four-week course. 

“Make your health, balance and strength a priority and check out these classes,” Dillahunty encouraged. “AIM is a fun and effective fall-prevention program that can reduce your fall risk and maximize your balance confidence!” 

Is a class right for you? 

Ask yourself these key questions:

• Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?
• Have you fallen in the past year?
• Do you worry about falling?
• Do you want to learn more about fall-prevention?

UCHealth fall-prevention classes for adults aged 50 and older

To register for UCHealth’s free, four-session fall prevention program, AIM (Aging with Independence and Mobility), call 719-365-2872 or email [email protected]

Participants can attend in-person at the Memorial Administrative Center at 2420 E. Pikes Peak Ave., or online via Zoom. 

UCHealth will also host classes at community centers, senior living centers and churches upon request. Call or email to learn more.