Rancho Santa Fe Senior Scene: Individual balance screenings and recommendations

By Terrie Litwin, RSF Senior Center, executive director

Preventing falls is one of the most challenging issues we face as we age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control:

•More than one-third of adults, age 65 years and older, fall each year.

•Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.

•Older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes.

•Of those who fall, 20 to 30 percent suffer moderate to severe injuries that reduce mobility and independence, and increase the risk of premature death.

On Friday, Jan. 11, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., the Senior Center is offering free individual balance screenings by licensed physical therapist, Jim Prussack. Following the personal balance screening test, participants will be given specific recommendations to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. Please call the Senior Center at (858) 756-3041 to schedule your appointment.

Senior Center Resource and Referral Program

The array of service providers offering assistance to seniors can be overwhelming and confusing.

The Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center is pleased to offer free senior resource information and referrals on an ongoing basis to seniors and their family members. Senior Center staff is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., to provide information regarding a wide variety of services available to seniors. Information provided includes categories such as homecare providers, retirement communities, skilled nursing facilities, medical alert devices, transportation resources, meal delivery services, home repair services, etc. Please call or visit the Senior Center if you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance.

Best wishes from the RSF Senior Center for a happy, healthy New Year!