“Everyone can improve their balance,” said Jessica Yurtinus, PT, D.P.T., G.C.S., clinical assistant professor and director of clinical education at the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. “That is the one thing I wanted people to take away from this event.”

The event drew 27 participants who completed balance assessments and received resources for additional programs.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older, but falls are not a normal part of aging. A fall can instead indicate other factors, including medication interactions, lack of strength, or conditions that cause instability or dizziness. Older adults can take preventive measures to reduce their risk of falling.

“We host a balance event once a year, but we wanted to make it more comprehensive,” said Hannah Linden, M.P.H., director of health and wellness programs at the Sanford Center for Aging. “By partnering with other organizations and departments on campus, we were able to offer more to our participants to help them as they age.”

The Sanford Center for Aging, dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults, hosted a free event, “Stay Steady: Balance and Mobility Screenings,” Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at the Sparks Library. This event was designed to promote awareness and education about balance and mobility, crucial aspects of health and wellness as we age. The balance assessments, conducted by trained professionals, provided participants with personalized feedback and recommendations to improve balance and stability. In addition to balance assessments, the Sanford Center for Aging offered blood pressure checks and resources for other free programs.

The event also included the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health, which provided consultations with two trained physical therapists, Jennifer Nash, PT, D.P.T., N.C.S., G.C.S., clinical associate professor and Yurtinus. The speech pathology and audiology department also provided participants with information about speech and swallowing as well as additional program details.

“It was interesting and informative,” said Susan Numan, an event participant. “I received exercises I can do at home to strengthen my ankles and even had my blood pressure checked by the pharmacist.”

Older adults who may still be experiencing concerns about balance and strength can attend a free upcoming workshop called Healthy Steps on Oct. 8, 2026, at the Sparks Library or on Dec. 9, 2026, at the Spanish Springs Library. Both are offered by the Sanford Center for Aging and pre-registration is required.