Healthy Living

Published: 2022
By Julie Riley

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL), an exercise and educational program designed to prevent falls in adults 65 years and older, began in January. Participants: *Learned activities to promote balance; *Increased social interaction with others; *Learned the importance of exercise for improving balance; *Improved confidence in being more physically active. Respite Retreat – MSU Extension Gerontology Specialist Daniel Koltz and Rebecca Koltz, MSU Professor and Counselor, facilitated a Caregiver’s Respite Retreat for 15 caregivers. Caregivers who attended expressed decreased stress, an appreciation for being cared for, developed relaxation skills and connected with others. Participants noted: • I didn’t realize how many of us there are; • I no longer feel alone in this caregiving; • My cup was empty when I came, but now it is full; • I feel cared for. Reactive Balance Training – MSU Researcher Justin Whitten worked with local physical and occupational therapists and qualified 18 people aged 65 to 85 for a Reactive Balance Training research study sponsored by Montana State University. The study is designed to research the feasibility of offering training in rural communities. Results are still being tabulated for the five-week program that concluded in the fall.