It’s never too late to start working on improving your balance. Google "fall prevention classes near me," and you’ll probably find one at a local senior center or maybe with your health care provider.

Why is fall prevention so important for older adults? Pat Wolf’s story may sound familiar.

"I started having balance issues," explains Pat, a regular fall prevention class attendee. "My balance has gotten worse, and I’ve had a couple of falls."

While doing yardwork, Pat knew she was tired. A little voice in her head told her she should probably quit, but she kept working. As she stretched to get a garden tool, she lost her balance and "spent the next three hours in urgent care."

Pat’s fall prevention instructors "are wonderful and very sensitive to the population," she says.

And that little voice in her head? "I now listen to it. Sometimes it’s good to listen to it," she says.

Fall prevention classes — a staple of aging services in California — enhance the lives of older adults.