Local seniors improve balance and strength to prevent falls through SAGES

By Ken Johnston
Editor

A very popular exercise program for older residents has returned to Rainy River for a third year.
SAGES or Sage Advice and Gentle Exercises for Seniors, began on Monday at the new Covenant Church with 18 people in attendance.
Spearheaded by the Northwestern Health Unit, the aim of SAGES is to work towards preventing falls in the elderly portions of the population.
Using Tai Chi, the participants do safe and gentle exercises that NWHU’s Heidi Ivall says, “help improve balance and strength.” Seniors from 55-90+ have taken the program. With that wide range in ages, Ivall said that the participants are encouraged to go at their own ability levels. “They can do it from a chair or standing if they like. The program is modified to the seniors’ ability.”
SAGES is a three prong program. In addition to the exercises there are education and nutrition components. Every week for 10 weeks they exercise, then cover one topic on subjects such as home safety, proper footwear, medication safety, etc. There is also a nutritional break every week.
The program is completely free of charge with the exception of a $2 donation for the nutrition break. “It is completely spearheaded and funded by the health unit,” said Ivall on Monday.
The program needed 10 people to run and on Monday there were 18 in attendance and Ivall said she knows of at least two more that are coming next week. Anyone interested in joining can do so by this Friday. Call Heidi at NWHU at 852-3268.
Ivall got the ball rolling on Monday, talking about the program but then turned it over to volunteer Dawn Jarvis. “We could not do this with out the community volunteers,” said Ivall. She said that Jarvis, as well as Jessie Bodnarchuk and Jeanette Armstrong have been key to make the program a success. The Covenant Church also gave them excellent access to their facility.
In addition to the physical and mental benefits of SAGES, Ivall said, “It is very fun and social,” noting that she has had a great deal of positive feedback from previous years. “It is a very popular program!”
According to NWHU statistics one third of all seniors fall each year and that number goes up to one half of seniors over 80 fall. One quarter of all admissions to long term care facilities are due to falls.
So rather than being reactive, the NWHU decided to offer SAGES in the area.