Wednesday, August 27, 2025

September is Falls Prevention Month
Each September, Older Adult Services provides evidence-based falls prevention programs for older adults. Program participants can receive practical tips and tools for staying safe and steady and learn ways to avoid falls and reduce fall risks by building strength, increasing balance and maintaining mobility. To view program details and to register, click on the program titles below. Registration required.

FREE Introduction to Tai Chi

EAST | Tuesday, September 9 | Noon – 1 p.m. | No Fee

Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise utilizing slow, relaxed movement, a quiet mind, and deep, natural breathing that stimulates the flow of qi or chi (intrinsic energy). Join Older Adult Services Instructor, Steve Arney, for an introduction to tai chi, emphasizing balance, and including time for questions and answers. No charge, registration required.

Feldenkrais: Move With Ease – A FREE Introduction

EAST |Tuesday, September 2 | 3 – 4 p.m. | No Fee

The Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education® helps participants learn to move with ease using slow, mindful movements to achieve powerful results in terms of balance, flexibility, and coordination. Feldenkrais relates directly to functional movements of daily life and an improved sense of grounding, walking and support. Lessons will be done seated, standing, and lying on a mat. Instructor: Gil Kelly personally trained with Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, and has been teaching the Feldenkrais Method for 40 years.

Dance for Balance

WEST | Thursdays, September 4 – 25 | 1 – 2:00 p.m. | No Fee

During Falls Prevention Month enjoy free dance classes offered by 3rd Law Dance/Theater. Based on the renowned Dance for PD® methodology, classes are designed for people living with Parkinson’s but benefit anyone with mobility concerns. No dance experience is required. Seated or standing, explore diverse dance styles and address balance, flexibility, and confidence through joyful physical activity. Instructors: Taught by dance professionals trained in the Mark Morris Dance for PD® method, part of a global network in 300+ communities.

Ukemi: The Art of Falling Safely

In Japanese martial arts, ukemi translates to “receiving body” or “receiving technique” and refers to the art of falling safely. Falls are a leading cause of injury across all demographics. In this class, older adults will learn the principles of falling without injury. After finding center through meditation and Japanese yoga, participants will warm up the body with light core exercises and stretches, then practice safe falling on a forgiving matted surface. Registrants must complete a pre-screening tool prior to participation. Instructor: Randy Thompson, 3rd degree black belt in Aikido.

Ukemi: The Art of Falling Safely – FREE Introduction

EAST | Thursday, September 4 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.| No Fee
This introduction program will provide a brief sampling of what participants can expect in each series.

Bone Appetite: A Holistic Approach to Rebuilding Bone Health
WEST | Monday, September 8 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | No Fee

Milk, yogurt, and calcium supplements are not enough for bone health. This program will review the multiple risk factors for bone loss, and the different types of osteoporosis. Learn which approaches and nutrients will help and which may hinder bone health, and different strategies and nutrients needed to put strength back in teeth and bones and improve overall health. Instructor: Erin Williams, MSN CN LMP, is the founder of EZBalance, a health and wellness company.

FREE Introduction to Tai Chi
EAST | Tuesday, September 9 | Noon – 1 p.m. | No Fee

Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise utilizing slow, relaxed movement, a quiet mind, and deep, natural breathing that stimulates the flow of qi or chi (intrinsic energy). Join Older Adult Services Instructor, Steve Arney, for an introduction to tai chi, emphasizing balance, and including time for questions and answers. No charge, registration required.

A Mindful Approach to Falls Prevention
EAST | Tuesday, September 9 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | No Fee

In this class participants will practice guided meditation and integrate multiple strategies to prevent falls. Mindfulness meditation is a practice of encouraging attention to the present moment. This class will offer tools to develop present moment awareness and apply evidence-based fall prevention techniques to everyday life. This class is facilitated by injury prevention and mindfulness professionals from Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, Boulder Community Health, and Intermountain Health.

Pain Management and Falls Prevention
WEST | Monday, September 15 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | No Fee

AdventHealth Pain Specialist staff will review the social, emotional and physical well-being dynamics of back pain and spine health, and the impact on older adults. This talk will include plenty of time for Q&A with Pain Specialist, Missy Smith, DNP

ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls
EAST | Wednesday, September 24 | 1 – 3 p.m. | No Fee

ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls is a class facilitated by injury prevention professionals from Intermountain Health, Boulder Fire-Rescue, and Boulder Community Health to review best practice strategies to prevent falls. Following the class, a physical therapist will be available to provide individualized balance screenings (spaces limited), and a pharmacist will be present to answer medication questions (spaces limited), please bring a list of medications with questions.

Injury Recovery and Strength Building

WEST | Monday, September 29 | 1:30 – 3 p.m. | No Fee
When falls happen, recovery can take months and sometimes years to return to pre-injury levels of strength, activity and confidence. Laura Olinger will demonstrate and teach the tools and overall approach used during a personal injury requiring surgery and recovery, and to support class participants in returning to previous activities. Instructor: Laura Olinger with Vintage Moves, LLC focuses on wellness for all ages.

Steady Steps: A Falls Prevention Series

EAST | Thursdays, October 9 – 30 (4 weeks) | 2 – 4 p.m. | No Fee

This four-week Falls Prevention Series offers a well-rounded approach to staying safe and steady. Learn practical tips and balance exercises from a team of experts, including a physical or occupational therapist, pharmacist, community safety specialist, and vision expert, covering key topics to help reduce the risk of falling.

Head to the Boulder County Falls Prevention page to see the dozens of programs being offered across the county.

West Age Well Center

909 Arapahoe Avenue | 303-441-3148

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

East Age Well Center

5660 Sioux Drive | 303-413-7290

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.