ABSTRACT
Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence, and the associated cost of health care and rehabilitation can be financially debilitating for individuals, families, and communities. Concerns common for seniors when considering enrolling in exercise classes were numerous and included feeling too tired, existing health issues, poor mobility, lack of transportation, having to get up early, poor balance, getting out in bad weather, concern with affordability, and lack of confidence in performance. A CDC grant to pilot and evaluate a community-based senior fall prevention program supported the first state Senior Fall Prevention Coalition meeting in November 2007, with the coalition meeting several times that year to develop a statewide program and toolkit for action. The effort in Norway was developed by a local Injury Prevention Group, described as a comprehensive community program consisting of representatives of the local hospital, several public and private organizations, and concerned citizens.
