Fall Prevention Awareness Week in King County: Let’s Keep Moving, Together

As the seasons begin to shift, Fall Prevention Awareness Week reminds us of something simple but powerful: staying active helps us stay upright, independent, and connected. And here in King County, we’re working to make it easier for older adults to move with confidence.

A recent study in the American Journal of Health Promotion revealed something startling. Physical inactivity now costs the U.S. nearly $192 billion in healthcare expenses each year. That’s 12.6% of all national healthcare spending. But behind that number is a hopeful message: movement matters, and even small steps can lead to big changes.

Local resources that make a difference

The King County Fall Prevention Coalition (KCFPC) is more than just a resource hub. It’s a vibrant network of community members, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and government agencies all working together to reduce fall risk and promote healthy aging. This coalition thrives on collaboration, bringing together diverse voices and expertise to share best practices, coordinate programs, and amplify impact.

Whether it’s your local senior center offering balance classes or our public health department launching awareness campaigns, KCFPC helps connect the dots. The synergy created by this coalition means that older adults across King County have better access to fall prevention tools, education, and support because we’re stronger when we work together.

Across our communities, senior centers and local organizations are hosting fall prevention and health fairs throughout the month. These events are fantastic opportunities to learn, connect, and take proactive steps toward staying safe and active. Here are just a few to check out:

• Burien: Burien Community Center – Sept. 11, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Spanish) and Sept. 18, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (English)
• Kirkland: Peter Kirk Senior Resource Fair – Sept. 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Carnation: Sno Valley Senior Center Falls Prevention Day – Sept. 24, 8:45 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Bothell: Northshore Senior Center Health Fair – Sept. 25, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

And now, with the launch of the new Fall Prevention Program Locator (thanks to support from Central Region Emergency Management Services) it’s easier than ever to find evidence based fall prevention classes in your neighborhood. Just type in your zip code and discover programs proven to help you stay active, strong and steady.

EnhanceFitness + stronger memory: a powerful pairing

One of the proven programs making a difference in our region is EnhanceFitness, a group exercise class developed right here in Seattle by the University of Washington and Group Health. It’s nationally administered by Sound Generations, and it continues to grow because it works.

EnhanceFitness is designed specifically for older adults and focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance—all key factors in reducing fall risk. Classes are welcoming, adaptable, and led by certified instructors who understand the needs of older adults. Participants often report feeling stronger, more confident, and more socially connected after just a few weeks.

And this Fall Prevention Month, EnhanceFitness is teaming up with Stronger Memory, a brain health program that supports cognitive engagement. Stronger Memory complements physical activity by encouraging mental stimulation and routine, two things that help older adults stay sharp and motivated. Download this free Activity Guide today and give it a try!

Take the Falls Free CheckUp

Want to know where you stand when it comes to fall risk? The Falls Free CheckUp from the National Council on Aging is a quick, 13-question tool that helps you assess your personal risk and gives you tips to stay safe. It’s free, easy to use, and a great way to start a conversation with your healthcare provider about fall prevention.

Join us at Bell Park—Sept. 26

We’d love to see you at Age Friendly Seattle’s Fall Prevention Week Celebration at Bell Park in Belltown on Sept. 26. There’ll be movement demos, helpful resources, and friendly faces—all in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Whether you’re new to fall prevention or a longtime advocate, this is a great chance to connect and celebrate the power of staying steady.

Let’s keep moving, together!

Paige Denison works to help older adults stay strong, safe, and independent. She leads health and wellness programs at Sound Generations, a local nonprofit serving King County. Paige helps bring classes like EnhanceFitness to neighborhoods across the region—fun, proven ways to build strength and balance and prevent falls. Her work in Seattle has helped shape programs used across the country, and she serves on national teams that guide fall prevention and healthy aging efforts. Paige works with doctors, researchers, and community leaders to make sure these programs fit the needs of diverse communities, including people with disabilities and different cultural backgrounds. With over 20 years of experience, she’s proud to support both local and national efforts that make aging safer and more active for everyone.