Students Promote Fall Safety

Strength and balance are essential to staying independent as we age. But fall prevention isn’t just about exercise — it’s also about confidence. To that end, McKinley High School’s occupational therapy students recently partnered with kūpuna at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, guiding them through exercises designed to improve stability and mobility.

Coached by a professional occupational therapist, students (many aspiring healthcare professionals) put their knowledge into practice by assisting kūpuna with fall prevention techniques. They measured vital signs, led stability exercises and shared strategies to help maintain mobility, while determining whether kūpuna could safely continue daily activities or if further care was needed.

EXERCISES FOR FALL PREVENTION

• Single-Leg Stance Tests: Holding this position for at least five seconds helps build balance and ankle stability.
• Seated Leg Lifts: Strengthening the quadriceps and hip flexors enhances walking ability and reduces instability.
• Guided Walking Drills: Focusing on posture and step control helps kūpuna move with greater confidence and safety.

Regular practice of these exercises can significantly reduce fall risk, making them essential for long-term health and mobility. However, if any kūpuna experienced difficulty with the exercises or showed signs of instability, further medical evaluation was recommended.

Beyond the physical benefits, the event brought generations together through mutual experiences. Kūpuna a shared their commitment to staying active, while students gained valuable hands-on experience in patient care. “I felt very safe during the exercises and it gave me the confidence to keep moving,” says a kūpuna participant.

“It was a wonderful experience. I learned so much from working with them,” says Shirley Yang.

Kūpuna left with valuable techniques to maintain independence. Students gained a deeper understanding about how small, consistent efforts can positively impact someone’s well-being. Together, both generations took steps — both literally and figuratively — toward a stronger, safer future. The collaboration has inspired interest in future partnerships between McKinley High School and local senior centers.