Still moving: How a Cranbrook program is helping seniors prevent falls by staying active and social
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Every Thursday morning, 97-year-old Ray Osborne rides his scooter to the local playing field in Cranbrook, BC.
Rain or shine, he goes there for a mobility program designed to help people stay active and independent in the East Kootenay community.
Osborne said, “I know it’s coming and I can’t wait for it.” “It makes my day.”
Osborn is one of dozens of older adults who participate in the Mobility Enhancement Program, a twice-weekly drop-in program run by the nonprofit group Active Cranbrook. The program uses a circuit of 12 exercise stations to help older adults improve balance, strength and coordination, with a specific focus on preventing falls.
According to the Vancouver-based BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, often resulting in disability, long-term pain and loss of independence.
Canada’s population is aging, and falls are one of the leading risks for seniors – leading to disability, chronic pain and reduced quality of life. As CBC’s Amber Wang finds out, there’s a fall prevention program in the East Kootenays that’s doing more than just keeping seniors on their feet.
As Canada ages, the challenge grows
Osborn has been coming to the program since day one.
And he is far from alone in wanting to keep moving forward.
Canada’s population is aging, and with it are increasing challenges to mobility and independence.
Statistics Canada estimates that one in five Canadians is now 65 years of age or older, a share of the population that continues to grow. In a country of about 40 million people, that means about eight million senior citizens.
Without opportunities to be active, many older adults may become increasingly isolated over time, leaving their homes less often, becoming more dependent on others, and losing confidence in everyday activities.
“Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop moving,” said Debbie Mandrick of Active Cranbrook. “When people stop moving, they stop engaging in life.”
Now in its fourth year, the program regularly sees 40 to 45 participants each session. Organizers say it operates on a $2 drop-in fee, a deliberate choice to keep the event affordable for seniors living on fixed incomes.
“It really became a word of mouth thing,” Mandrick said. “People keep coming back.”
to be independent
Enid Barnhart, who turned 99 this spring, says being active is about more than exercise.
“It’s important to stay socially, mentally and physically active,” he said.
For them the movement is also directly related to freedom.
“Being active means I can take care of myself,” Barnhart said. “I live alone and do my household work myself, and with the help of my children and friends, I am able to live in my own home.”
role of continuity
The program is supported by kinesiologists from Kootenay Therapy Center who help participants move through the circuits.
“When they’re consistent, their balance improves, their mobility improves,” said kinesiologist Andrea Taylor.
“They start telling us about small goals around the house, like getting up and down more easily, or getting up and down from chairs. This applies to their daily life.”
more than exercise
For Osborne, the program isn’t just about material benefits. It’s also about connection.
“It’s about meeting people,” he said. “To practice with people and also meet new people.”
By the end of the hour, Osborn says he is tired, but has no plans to stop going.
“It’s great to get older,” Osborne said. “But you don’t have to grow old. You never grow old at heart. The way to do that is to keep moving, to be active. Just keep doing it. Everything will help.”
