This program is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to fall prevention, designed to reduce an individual’s risk of falling by addressing the most common and modifiable risk factors.
As an instructor, you play a vital role in delivering this program through three core components: assessment, education, and exercise. Together, these interventions support safer movement, improved confidence, and greater independence for older adults.
1) Assessment
Functional fitness assessments help identify individual fall risk and track progress throughout the program. They provide meaningful data for both instructors and participants, highlighting where support is needed and where improvements are being made.
Assessments are:
- Validated and age-appropriate, focusing on physical function and mobility
- Conducted pre- and post-program to evaluate participant progress
- Simple to implement, yet highly effective in helping tailor instruction
Assessments and screening tools used in this program include:
- Fall Risk Questionnaire and Home Safety Checklist to identify non-physical contributors to fall risk
- The 4-Stage Balance Test to assess static balance
- 30-Second Chair Stand Test to evaluate lower-body strength and endurance
2) Education
Educating older adults about fall risks and prevention strategies is just as important as physical training. Many individuals are unaware of the everyday habits and environmental factors that increase their risk. Your trusted relationship with participants and the ability to communicate clearly make you a key messenger in this effort.
As part of the education component, you will:
- Distribute and discuss the Fall Risk Questionnaire to uncover personal and behavioral risk factors, and encourage members to discuss the results with their doctor
- Distribute the Home Safety Checklist to help participants identify and reduce environmental hazards
- Deliver weekly educational messages at the start of each class, designed to raise awareness and encourage self-reflection
These tools open the door to important conversations, promote accountability, and support long-term behavior change.
3) Exercise
The exercise portion of the program is designed to target the key areas most affected by age-related changes: strength, balance, coordination, reaction time, and flexibility/mobility.
By consistently challenging these areas, participants can improve their balance, regain confidence, and reduce their overall fall risk. Classes should be offered three times per week for at least 12 weeks to ensure adequate dosage for meaningful change. A Master Class will be shared in Unit 3.
Program Goals
The program aims to:
- Improve strength, balance, coordination, reaction time, and flexibility/mobility
- Educate participants on biological, behavioral, and environmental fall risk factors
- Empower participants to make safer choices and modifications at home and in daily life
- Track individual progress through validated assessments
Program Structure | |
Duration | 12-weeks |
Frequency | Three (3) exercise classes per week |
Session Length | 45-minutes per class |
Equipment | Chair, handheld weights (dumbbells) are highly recommended but are optional |
Delivery Method | In-person through FLEX and PL (Participating Location) networks |
Target Audience | Independent older adults |
The Power of Prevention
By combining assessments, meaningful education, and exercise you are equipping older adults with the tools they need to stay active and injury free. Your guidance not only helps reduce fall risk but also builds a stronger foundation for lifelong mobility and independence.
In the next unit, we’ll take a closer look at each of these program components, giving you the tools and confidence to lead a truly impactful class to reduce fall risk.