Stay well with Community Care’s falls prevention exercise classes

Falls are a leading cause of injury among individuals of all ages, particularly for older adults. November is recognized across Canada as Fall Prevention Month, which is a time to promotion education about fall prevention and reduce fall-related injuries.

According to statistics published by the Government of Canada, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian older adults, with 20-30% of older adults experiencing one or more falls each year. Several factors contribute to falls, including muscle weakness, poor vision, balance issues, and environmental hazards such as slippery floors or uneven surfaces. Education on these risks helps individuals identify their vulnerabilities and take proactive measures. At Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes, Falls Prevention Exercise Classes are provided to help individuals, particularly older adults, reduce their risk of falling.

Each class is led by a certified seniors fitness instructor and are designed for those new to exercise as well as for those looking to maintain their fitness. Each class focuses on cardio, strength, balance and flexibility. The classes encourage participants to stay functionally fit longer, increases physical activity levels and decreases their risk of falls.

The low impact and moderate impact exercise classes are aligned with the philosophy that your body is your best teacher. The classes encourage participants to listen to their bodies first, and to modify exercise instructions as needed.

Moderate to vigorous exercise has been proven to have many benefits both immediate and long-term. The long-term benefits include reducing the risk of diseases such as dementia, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and eight different cancers. There are also the immediate benefits of lowering blood pressure, improving quality of sleep, and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.

Exercise can be challenging, but the rewards far exceed the challenges. Participants have a great sense of accomplishment after each class, knowing that they took the time to show up for themselves.

Anyone who is curious about trying exercise for the first time or who would like to get back into exercise can come to Community Care at 21 Angeline Street North in Lindsay and try out a free class.

“As a co-facilitator of these classes, it’s easy to find value and a sense of purpose in every class,” says Julie St Hiliare, wellness coordinator. “The positive impact on our participants’ quality of life is evident. We receive a lot of feedback on how our exercises influences their ability to perform activities of daily living at home with more ease.”

In addition to the falls prevention exercise classes, Community Care offers several wellness programs to improve the health and wellbeing for participants, including pickleball, sage exercise and gentle advice for seniors (SAGES), cooking classes, weekly wellness drop ins, and more.

More information these programs can be found online at ccckl.ca/wellness. Anyone interested in joining either a Falls Prevention Exercise Class or other wellness program is encouraged to contact Community Care at  or call 705-324-7323 ext. 181.