An innovative program for preventing falls in older adults

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Major risk factors for falls are inactivity, muscle weakness and balance issues.

A program newly implemented by the North Dakota Extension Service seeks to improve strength, balance, mobility and daily function, reducing participants’ risk of falling, all while feeling more like recreation and less like traditional fall prevention classes, to which some are not receptive. Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB), a national evidence-based program, is an enhancement of traditional Tai Chi transforming movements into therapeutic training for balance and mobility.

Extension family and community wellness agents, along with local community partners, have been trained as class leaders in TJQMBB. Participants meet for one hour twice a week for 12 weeks; four workshops were offered in 2023.

Participants who completed workshop evaluations reported improvements in recognizing more ways to reduce falls, realizing they are steadier on their feet, becoming more flexible in their movements, and finding a way to get up if they fall. This improved balance and mobility enhances quality of life for participants, reduces healthcare costs associated with falls, and lessens absentee hours of family members from work.

Project supported by non-profit grants and state appropriations funds.