Key Takeaways

  • Engage your community in an exercise-based falls prevention program, with exercises available for participants at varying fitness levels. 

Due to internal restructuring, new licenses have been postponed until further notice.

Healthy Steps in Motion (HSIM) grew out of the FRIENDS (Fall Reduction Initiative: New Direction in Safety) program and Healthy Steps for Older Adults (HSOA) evidence-based education and fall risk assessment program. FRIENDS was developed in 1997 by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to raise awareness about the risks of falling. FRIENDS had been very successful, but participants were eager for new exercises and more advanced exercises. Thus, in 2005, HSIM was developed. HSIM is a comprehensive, exercise focused, fall prevention program. Participants in HSIM enjoy more exercises including exercises for people at advanced fitness levels or that have specific medical conditions. HSIM workshops are often repeated due to the physical and social benefits participants receive from attending.

  • NotesTrack health promotion program guidance during COVID-19 regularly for updates to program implementation and training options. Programs traditionally implemented in-person may be temporarily allowable by telephone or online.
  • Target audience: Older adults age 50 and up
  • Health outcomes: Fall reduction of 28% for program participants
  • Delivered by: Certified workshop leader
  • Program type: Group
  • Format: In-Person in community
  • Length: Healthy Steps in Motion is an 8-session program. It can be presented as a 4-week program with 2 one-hour workshops each week or as an 8-week program with a 1 one-hour workshop each week
  • Training: In-Person, Healthy Steps in Motion certified workshop leaders are required to take a two-day classroom training. The two-day workshop runs approximately 7 hours each day
  • Professional required: No
  • Accessibility adaptations available: Yes
  • Cultural adaptations available: Yes, accommodations available upon request.
  • Available in languages other than English: Spanish
  • Topic(s):
    • Physical Activity
    • Behavioral Health
    • Chronic Disease
    • Falls Prevention

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