CINCINNATI — It can happen in an instant and change the lives of seniors and their families forever: a fall.

September is Fall Prevention Month, but a year-round program by the Council on Aging is helping seniors to learn how to prevent them, while playing a popular game at the same time. They call the program at Cincinnati’s Over The Rhine Senior Center “Bingocize,” games of bingo that are interrupted by quick breaks to exercise and learn tips on preventing falls.

What You Need To Know

  • The Council on Aging is presenting "Bingocize" at the Over The Rhine Senior Center

  • The program combines bingo with exercise and fall prevention tips

  • It's a 10-week program meeting twice a week.

  • The Council on Aging also can perform fall hazard assessments in people's homes

“They have fun while they’re doing it,” said trainer Christine Harris, who calls out the bingo numbers and also leads the exercise and fall prevention discussions. “It’s a really great program.”

“We love bingo,” said Edressa Johnson, who’s been coming to the center for eight years. “What got me was, I’ve never thought of playing bingo and exercising. It’s really helpful.”

For Johnson, who is retired, coming to the center is a welcome variation to her routine at home.

“I come down here to the senior center because it’s like home away from home,” Johnson said. “To me, it’s like one big family and get out of the house to keep active.”

Being able to stay in your home is a big goal of the fall prevention program. Harris offers three major tips for seniors to stay strong and avoid falls.

“I think number one would definitely be hydration. You can get weak if you don’t have enough fluids,” Harris said. “Second, make sure that you know the side effects of your medications and always watch your rugs - trips and falls those are just really big, ones I think.”     

“In the United States, every second of every day, an older adult falls, making falls the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths among older adults,” said the Council on Aging’s Paula Smith. “If we can prevent falls in the first place, then we know we can help people remain independent much longer in their homes and communities.”

Smith said the Council on Aging is teaming up with Meals on Wheels to offer the 10-week program at the center.

“Our tagline is much more than a meal and you’re looking at it here,” said Sarah Celena, who works with Meals on Wheels.

“I love it,” Johnson said.

While Meals on Wheels is known for delivering meals to seniors’ homes, Smith said the Council on Aging will also bring their fall assessment program to those who can’t get out to places like the senior center.

“We’re happy to help seniors who need us to come to them,” Johnson said.

For more information, go to the Council on Aging's website.

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