Get more active outdoors this winter. On February 5, open the door and go for it! Walking is a healthy, enjoyable experience and is also a great way to embrace the winter season.

Winter Walk Day encourages people across Alberta to be active outdoors in winter. More than 800 organizations and 100, 000 Albertans took part last year. Register your participation as a group or individual at winterwalkday.ca.

When walking outdoors in the winter, keep a few things in mind. Remember to wear boots with a wide, flat heel. Make sure your footwear has the proper amount of grip — not too much and not too little. Wear ice grips over your shoes or boots to get a better grip on ice. If you use a cane, put a retractable ice pick on the end. Happy winter walking!

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults.  After a fall, many people are unable to live the way they want; they may lose their independence or live in fear of falling again.

A Big Problem that is Getting Bigger

Every day, 92 Alberta seniors are treated in emergency departments for injuries due to a fall and 25 need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.   With the number of seniors expected to double by 2040, this problem will get bigger, unless we teach older adults how falls can be prevented. 

Strength and Balance can Prevent Falls

Falling is not a natural part of aging; falls can be prevented.   People with strong legs and good balance are less likely to fall. Luckily, no matter what a person’s abilities are today, they can improve their strength and balance.  One is never too old, or too young, to start.

Using Finding Balance to Prevent Falls

The Finding Balance falls prevention program has materials that are designed to encourage community-dwelling older adults to manage their risk of falling by teaching them to maintain or improve their balance and strength.  Resources available in the Resource Catalogue can help: 

• Start a conversation about the risk of falling 
  • Use the Are You at Risk of Falling? quiz to identify risks
• Familiarize older adults with the impact falls can have on independence and health
  • Discuss the Can a fall change your lifestyle? brochure
• Share this message about how to prevent a fall:
  • Challenge Your Balance, Build Strength, Be Active

• Finding Balance messages are based on the latest evidence  
• Access Finding Balance materials including:
  • Specific exercises and activities proven to improve balance 
  • Information on how to strengthen muscles 
  • Tools and challenges to motivate seniors to stay physically active
• Remind older adults that falls are not an inevitable part of aging
  • Balance can be improved with practice
  • Strength can be improved at any age
  • Being active helps improve balance and strength 
• Find information about reducing risks specific to the individual
  • Share Finding Balance information sheets with seniors and their families
  • Titles include Have Your Vision Checked, Review Your Medications, and Walking Safely in Winter and others.

You can play a role in preventing falls with the help of Finding Balance. Finding Balance is an initiative of the Injury Prevention Centre.