INNISFAIL – Every year one in three Alberta seniors will fall.
The Central Alberta Falls Prevention Coalition hosted the annual Walk with the Mayors on Nov.1 to help kick off National Fall Prevention Month.
The annual event was held at Innisfail High School and included mayors from Penhold, Sylvan Lake, Bowden, Red Deer, Sundre, Red Deer County, Blackfalds and Innisfail.
Innisfail mayor Jim Romane said the town has a high number of seniors who can benefit from staying active.
“We’re proclaiming November as National Fall Prevention month for seniors,” said Romane. “It (helps) highlight some resources for our aging population.
“Awareness on everything from taxes to preventing falls has been a large part of our community services,” he added.
Penhold mayor Mike Yargeau was participating in his second mayor's walk.
“It’s beautiful weather now, but it won’t be forever, so we need to practise safe walking techniques and stress the importance of it with seniors,” said Yargeau.
Recent statistics say falls are a leading cause of injury for seniors.
“It takes seniors longer to recover as they get older,” said Allyssa Bremner, community facilitator with the town and member of the coalition. “It’s not good for them to be spending all that time in hospital (recovering) but it’s also a lot of money for the province every month. So if we can help prevent those falls, we’ll decrease the hospital stays and health-care costs.”
In addition to the mayors and local seniors, schools from the Innisfail Schools Campus, including one class from each of École John Wilson Elementary School, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School, Innisfail Middle School and Innisfail High School, also participated.
Innisfail Middle School Grade 7 teacher Mike Walsh brought his students out for the intergenerational event.
“Innisfail Middle School wanted to show their support for the initiative,” said Walsh. “It’s a good way to connect our youth with some of our seniors and remove some of those stereotypes that might exist on both sides.
“It’s a great initiative for our communities,” he added.
One Innisfail senior staying active is 85-year-old Ann Vanderham.
“I like to walk and thought I would come here today,” she said. "I walk just about every day for at least half an hour to an hour.”
Walking not only helps her stay healthy and strong, but also keeps her connected to the community.
“I started (walking) just to go to the store,” said Vanderham. “It’s good for you.”
