Since 2019, Healthy Living for ME and its statewide network partners have reached more than 2,100 Mainers through nearly 200 workshops held to support falls prevention and reduction in Maine.

“Falls are a serious health concern for many Maine residents. Concerns about falls, as well as injuries resulting from falls, can have a serious impact on a person’s ability to continue to live independently in their home and community. We are so happy that over the three years of this grant, we have been able to reach so many Mainers and help them improve their quality of life through these workshops,” said Jennifer Fortin, Training and Loyalty Manager at Healthy Living for ME.

According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adults over the age of 65 falls each year. One in five falls results in a serious injury and three million older people receive emergency treatment each year due to a fall.

The triennial Community Life Administration The Falls Prevention Grant was awarded to Healthy Living for ME in 2019 and ran through April. Healthy Living for ME and their community partners exceeded grant goals. Through the grant, four different workshops were offered: A Matter of Balance, Bingocize, Tai Chi for Health and Balance, and EnhanceFitness.

The workshops were offered in person and online by 15 different community partners across the state. These partners were: Aroostook Agency on Aging, SeniorsPlus, Spectrum Generations, Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging, Eastern Area Agency on Aging, MaineGeneral, Central Lincoln County YMCA, Boothbay YMCA, Kennebec Valley YMCA, Region 9 Learning Center, Franklin County Adult Education , All the Difference, LLC., Central Maine Healthcare, Holli Nicknair, and Vitality+. Many of these organizations remain active partners in the HL4ME network, offering workshops on topics other than falls prevention.

Overall, participants reported being very satisfied with their experience and positive lifestyle changes as a result of the HL4ME workshops.

• 98% of attendees confirmed they will increase their activity through education from a fall prevention workshop
• 98% of participants confirmed having made positive changes thanks to a fall prevention workshop
• 96% of participants feel more satisfied with their life after taking a fall prevention workshop
• 94% of participants feel more comfortable talking to their healthcare professional about falls after attending a falls prevention workshop
• 87% of participants are less afraid of falling
• 86% of participants would recommend the workshop to a friend

One participant in a Tai Chi for Health and Balance workshop said, “They did a great job, very dedicated to helping us…they provide great resources and instruction and personalize the instructions.”

Another participant said, “As we progressed, I felt safer doing other physical activities that require energy and balance. Plus, the ability to relax physically has actually improved my mental outlook.

In addition to fall prevention workshops, Healthy Living for ME offers many other free or low-cost workshops open to adult Mainers of all ages. Other workshop topics include chronic disease self-management, caregiver support, diabetes prevention and management, and support for people living with acquired brain injuries or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Healthy Living for ME welcomes referrals from healthcare providers. Our evidence-based programming can help patients manage and prevent conditions before they worsen or lead to emergencies.

To learn more about Healthy Living for ME and the workshops offered by the network, visit www.healthylivingforme.org.