By Sara Schafer

Mower County Senior Center

In the United States, about one in three seniors over age 65, and almost one in two over age 80, will fall at least once this year -— in some cases, leading to serious disability or even death.

There are a number of fall risk factors, including: being older, being female, problems with balance or walking, leg or trunk weakness; dementia, a past history of falls, use of a walking device, being on more than four medications at the same time, and preexisting medical conditions such as stroke, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.

Staying physically active as you age is critical in helping prevent falls. Fifty percent of older adults think that if they decrease their physical activity level, they will have less chance of falling. But, in reality, the exact opposite is true. Gardening, line dancing, physical exercise and yoga are among the activities that can help older adults improve balance and movement. They have seen significant improvement not only in senior’s balance, but also with their confidence levels, an awareness of body alignment, and a reduced fear of falling.

If you are experiencing issues with your balance and you want to do something about it. The Mower County Senior Center is offering free bone builders classes two times a week called “S.A.I.L (Stay Active and Independent for Life)”. They are sponsored by Active Aging Program, Catholic Charities of SMN and held from 9-10 a.m. Monday and Friday at the senior center. If you are interested in participating feel free to come in and observe the class or get more information.           

Upcoming events

Monday: Blood pressure checks, 9 a.m.; SAIL Bone Builders, 9 a.m.; Walking Club,  9 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle and Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evies Friends, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:15 a.m.; Exercise with Evie’s Friends, 9 a.m.; Support Group, 10:30 a.m.;

Chicken Pot Pie hotdish, 11:30 a.m.; Cards (500, Duplicate Bridge,  Pinochle), 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Tai Chi,  9 a.m.; Walking Club, 9 a.m.;   Weight Watchers, 12:15 p.m.; Cards (Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; Open Chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Tops, 8 a.m.; Silver Sneakers, 8:15 a.m.; Exercise with Evie’s Friends, 9 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo and Open Chess, 1 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 5 p.m.

Friday: SAIL Bone Builders, 9 a.m.; Walking Club, 9 a.m.;  Cards (Bridge Tournament, 500), 12:30 p.m.; Ping Pong, 3 p.m.

Weekly Card Results 

Monday Bridge

July 16, two tables

1st John Karnes, 2nd Millie Seiver, 3rd Joanne Maxfield, 4th Caroline Higgins, 5th Quentin Fiala

Tuesday Bridge

July 17, seven tables

1st Dave Ring, 1st Loren Cleland; 2nd Bud Higgins, 2nd Vandy Newman; 3rd Judy Bungum, 3rd Dave Solomonson; 4th Edna Knobbe, 4th Kathy Liesen; 5th Lorraine Lippert, 5th Ron Peters

Tuesday 500

July 17, four tables

1st Barb Dickman, 2nd Deanna Ashley, 3rd Dennis Bray, 4th Gene Rauen

Friday 500

July 20, three tables

1st Russ Vaale, 2nd Arlys Spurlin, 3rd Deanna Ashley, 4th Dennis Bray

Wednesday

Duplicate Bridge

July 17, three tables

1st Ray Schmidt, 1st Gayle Schmidt; 2nd Vandy Newman, 2nd Ron Peters; 3rd Dave Ring, 3rd Orrion Roisen; 4th Millie Seiver, 4th Joyce Crowe; 5th John Leisen, 5th Rick Stroup

Friday Bridge

July 20, two tables

1st John Karnes, 2nd Carolyne Higgins, 3rd Quentin Fiala, 4th Millie Seiver

Pinochle

Dave Solomonson