Preventing Falls for Seniors at JCC in Tarrytown

“Balance & Mobility,” a unique movement training course being offered at the Harold and Elaine Shames JCC on the Hudson, addresses one of the scariest challenges seniors face in maintaining an independent lifestyle—the likelihood of a fall. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three older people fall each year, and falling once doubles a senior’s chances of falling again.

“Conventional walking is not the best way to protect against a fall,” said certified personal trainer Deidre Pachon, who has worked with seniors for over 30 years. Pachon developed a new training, Balance & Mobility, which uses pattern walking --sequences of multi-directional step patterns that increase in complexity and repetition—as a way to improve balance. For example, class participants may be asked to practice this pattern: step wide, then narrow, across front and back, while traveling in a forward direction. The pattern is performed on a grid taped onto a long mat. When a new pattern is introduced, numbers are placed on the grid to serve as a guide until the pattern is memorized.

The classroom is set up using a circuits format so other more common balance exercise can also be included, such as practicing heel-to-toe walking, single leg stand, and walking around or over obstacles. Members move from station to station, individually, paired or in small groups for 2-3 sets of each balance exercise. With enough practice, functional ability, mental agility, lower body strength and confidence improves.

Pachon’s class, which includes musical accompaniment, is mentally and physically engaging. “I encourage lots of social interaction here. Students often share which strategies they used to prevent a misstep.”

The 18 session course is being offered Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00 p.m. beginning 9/13. The fee is $414 ($342 for JCC members). Class registration is ongoing and classes pro-rated. For a free trial class, call (914) 366-7898, or register at www.JCContheHudson.org.

The Harold and Elaine Shames JCC on the Hudson welcomes all at 371 South Broadway, Tarrytown.