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 and yoga are among the activities that can help older adults improve balance and movement.

Here at the Senior Center we have many activities to increase your stability. We have SilverSneakers and new to the Senior Center is Silver and Fit. If, since the first of the year your insurance covers Silver and Fit classes, come in and check us out. We would love to see you. We are also offering Tai-Chi classes, Evies Exercise and Zumba if you are looking for a little variety.

Don’t forget our coffee shop where every day you can have homemade soup for $1 and a sandwich for 50 cents. Tuesday we will be having tator tot hotdish in the coffee shop starting at 11:30 a.m. for $2. You are always welcome at the center.

 Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure checks, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge),12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie, 1 p.m.; Movie, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge, 500),12:30 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi 9:30 a.m.; Duplicate Bridge, noon; Cards (Pinochle, Cribbage),12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees 1 p.m.; Open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Open chess, 1 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Boot camp, 5:10 p.m.; Zumba, 6:10 p.m.; Yoga, 7:20 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge, 500), 12:30 p.m.; Ping Pong, 3 p.m.

 Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

NO RESULTS

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

Jan. 21, four tables

First Rick Strouf, first Gene Domino; second Ray Schmidt, second Gail Schmidt;

third Marge Blaser, third Joyce Crowe; fourth Dick Hansen, fourth Larry Crowe

Tuesday “500”

Jan. 21, four tables

First Beulah Luthe, second Willard Ballantyne, third Beverly Schafer

Pinochle

Hilton Henschen

Friday Bridge

Jan. 24, two tables

First John Karnes, second Dave Solomonson, third Mary Johnsen, fourth Arnie Lang, fifth Jaynard Johnson

Wednesday Cribbage

NO RESULTS

Weekly “500”

Jan. 24, four tables

First Jerry Downing, second Dorothy Stern, third Lois Anderson, third Mildred Ballantyne, fourth Lois Anderson