The Popular YMCA Falls Prevention Program Helps Seniors Stay Active, Independent and Connected

Age was catching up with Sacramentan Jean Peixoto. First, she fell and broke her hip, requiring replacement surgery. Then, on vacation in Europe, she tripped and broke a knee cap. Soon, her other hip hurt enough for her surgeon to suggest another surgery.

Instead, Peixoto, who is now 81, turned to the YMCA, joining our “Falls Prevention” program. She is thrilled with the result.

“My balance is so much better. It’s been three years. I have not fallen since I’ve been taking this class,” she said. “And no hip replacement! My nephew, who’s a fitness trainer, said he can’t believe the difference since I began coming to the Y.”

The YMCA’s popular Falls Prevention program offers 45-minute classes for free to both Y members and non-members alike. Kaiser Permanente has partnered with the YMCA for over a decade to provide funding to keep the program free for participants. In recent years, Kaiser has even increased their support to expand the availability of classes in Sacramento and into Roseville. Classes are now offered daily at the Sacramento Central Y, as well as the ACC Senior Center, the Belle Cooledge Community Center, and Kaiser Permanente in Roseville.

We’ll be adding two new classes soon at the Roseville Elks Lodge. Another two classes are planned in the Sacramento area later this year.

“Our mission is to strengthen community by ensuring everyone has access to programs that support health and well-being,” said YMCA Health and Wellness Director Ryan Hewitt. “By partnering with community sites and going beyond our walls, we’re able to meet seniors where they are and help them stay active, independent, and connected—regardless of financial or mobility barriers.”

Overall, YMCA wellness programs served more than 4,640 Sacramento-area seniors last year in age-appropriate programming such as water exercise, arthritis classes, and Falls Prevention.

Jacqueline Noble, 81, has attended classes since her grandson told her she needed to do stretching to regain lost mobility. She’s rediscovered her groove on the dance floor. “Whenever we go to some place where there’s dancing, I’d have to stop before the record was over. Now, I can keep up.”

Classes often hum with happy chatter. “We’ve come to understand in the fitness industry the importance of the social aspect, not just the physical,” said Jackie Wise, one of several certified YMCA Falls Prevention instructors. “It gives us that well-rounded approach.”

Carol Davydova, who turns 66 in May, has participated for more than a year, and says she’s made new friends in class. “It’s marvelous,” she said. “The Y is such a friendly environment, more so than any other place I’ve ever worked out at. That is one of the great benefits of being here.”

Free classes are offered 14 times each week at various locations across Sacramento and Roseville. Learn more and sign up online.

You can also email us at HealthandWellness@ymcasuperiorcal.org