By KATIE DAUL University of Wisconsin Extension-Oconto County

RIVERVIEW – As people age, their bones can become more brittle and their muscle mass can decrease substantially, leading to dangerous falls. One in three Americans over 65 fall every year, making falls the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for this older population. Every year, an estimated 37.3 million falls are severe enough to require medical attention. Physical inactivity increases your risk for falls, stroke, high blood pressure, cancers, decreased bone density, decreased muscle mass, and much more.

You can make sure falls do not have to be a part of aging by participating in evidence-based strength training programs, going for walks, creating a fall-prevention plan with your doctor, and wearing sensible shoes. After talking with your doctor, consider gentle exercise as a part of your daily routine to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Improving all of these will reduce your risk of falling and make you feel like a healthier person overall.

You do not have to go far to find an evidence-based strength training program that will reduce your risk for falls- there is one right here in Oconto County starting this fall! It is called StrongBodies and it is an evidence-based strength training program that has helped many people become healthier and stronger all over the United States. The program will meet Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 10:15 am and starts September 9, 2026, and will be held at the Town of Riverview Community Center located at 15152 Island Lake Rd., Mountain. If you are interested in becoming healthier with many other people like you right here in Oconto County, sign up today at: https://go.wisc.edu/f1q8c5. For more information, visit the UW-Extension Oconto County website at https://oconto.extension.wisc.edu/, the Facebook page Oconto County UWExtension, or call the Extension office at 920-834-6845.

September is National Fall Prevention Month, so there is no better time than now to start reducing your risk of falling and begin your journey to healthy aging. Meet other amazing people and become healthier by signing up for the StrongBodies program today. Your mind and body will thank you!

Published on: Jul 21, 2026 at 10:16 am