Presenter(s)
Hanna Crabtree, Lauren Cahalan, Emily Myszewski, Kierra Pickard, Claire Privatt, Allie Sonnleitner, Emily Vargas, and Maya Vosters
Abstract
Purpose: With the growing older adult population, defined as 65 years and older, the importance of safety in activities, such as sports, is becoming more important. It is vital to address the needs of this population through increasing education to prevent or address injuries related to physical activity. The overall purpose of this project was to determine the impact of providing sports safety education at the Holmen Area Community Center (HACC). Moreover, we sought to explore and educate the clients at HACC on ways to prevent such injuries and what to do if an injury does occur.
Many older adults come to the HACC walking path in the gymnasium, participate in yoga, and exercise classes. Other participation opportunities include line dancing and playing pickleball. Participation in several of these sports activities may lead to injuries. Older adult community members at HACC shared stories about their experiences participating in sports activities which included reflecting on previous sports-related injuries and potential knowledge gaps. The members desired more education on how to prevent falls and what to do if a fall occurred. A literature review was completed focusing on injury prevention, intervention, and subsequent follow-up to ensure proper healing of injuries among older adults.
Methods and Results: Findings from the review of literature were synthesized into five themes: warm-up, daily immersion, fall prevention, ability awareness, and post-fall treatment. The information gained from this project supported the creation of an educational resource for community dwelling older adults. The literature shows that warming up before activities can reduce injuries over time. Additionally, incorporating exercise into older adults' daily lives reduces the risk of falls and injuries by improving physical and cognitive function. While these older adults may have more physical and mental ability gained through exercise, falls may still occur. Studies revealed how to safely fall if one were to occur. Many older adults try to prevent an impending fall, which may result in a more serious injury. Education on post-fall treatment is vital for a successful recovery.
Conclusion: The resource developed from this project will educate older adults within the community on proper ways to prevent injuries. Such ways include how to fall safely, and what to do when a fall does occur. This information will be presented at a community education event in April to bring awareness to sports safety among older adults in the community. Fall prevention for older adults participating in sports is important to consider for nursing as falls can lead to deteriorating health outcomes and impact overall well-being.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Nursing - Undergraduate
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Maryann Abendroth
Start Date
4-24-2025 10:00 AM
End Date
4-24-2025 11:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1b=10am-11am
Poster Number
14
Included in
Stay Fit, Stay Safe: Sports Safety for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Purpose: With the growing older adult population, defined as 65 years and older, the importance of safety in activities, such as sports, is becoming more important. It is vital to address the needs of this population through increasing education to prevent or address injuries related to physical activity. The overall purpose of this project was to determine the impact of providing sports safety education at the Holmen Area Community Center (HACC). Moreover, we sought to explore and educate the clients at HACC on ways to prevent such injuries and what to do if an injury does occur.
Many older adults come to the HACC walking path in the gymnasium, participate in yoga, and exercise classes. Other participation opportunities include line dancing and playing pickleball. Participation in several of these sports activities may lead to injuries. Older adult community members at HACC shared stories about their experiences participating in sports activities which included reflecting on previous sports-related injuries and potential knowledge gaps. The members desired more education on how to prevent falls and what to do if a fall occurred. A literature review was completed focusing on injury prevention, intervention, and subsequent follow-up to ensure proper healing of injuries among older adults.
Methods and Results: Findings from the review of literature were synthesized into five themes: warm-up, daily immersion, fall prevention, ability awareness, and post-fall treatment. The information gained from this project supported the creation of an educational resource for community dwelling older adults. The literature shows that warming up before activities can reduce injuries over time. Additionally, incorporating exercise into older adults' daily lives reduces the risk of falls and injuries by improving physical and cognitive function. While these older adults may have more physical and mental ability gained through exercise, falls may still occur. Studies revealed how to safely fall if one were to occur. Many older adults try to prevent an impending fall, which may result in a more serious injury. Education on post-fall treatment is vital for a successful recovery.
Conclusion: The resource developed from this project will educate older adults within the community on proper ways to prevent injuries. Such ways include how to fall safely, and what to do when a fall does occur. This information will be presented at a community education event in April to bring awareness to sports safety among older adults in the community. Fall prevention for older adults participating in sports is important to consider for nursing as falls can lead to deteriorating health outcomes and impact overall well-being.
