County Executive Robert P. Astorino in partnership with the YWCA White Plains and Central Westchester today announced the launch of a new balance training and fall prevention program that will kick off with a free event from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 7 at the YWCA White Plains and Central Westchester, located at 515 North St., White Plains.

Registration is requested, but walk-ins will be welcome. Please RSVP to  or call (914) 949-6227 ext. 208 for more information.

"The main reason older adults lose their independence is because of falls," Astorino said. "But the good news is that falls are preventable. I encourage all seniors and those who care for seniors to join us."

The launch event will feature a panel discussion with some of the area's leading medical professionals, followed by a Tai Ji Quan demonstration focused on how to incorporate movement for better balance. Additional programs are being offered throughout the year at the YWCA.

"Falls can be disastrous for people over the age of 65," said Maria L. Imperial, YWCA CEO. "One in three older adults falls annually, with falls being the leading cause of death due to injury. The classes now offered at the YWCA are designed to improve strength, balance, agility and coordination and can significantly reduce the risk of falling in older adults."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls account for 25 percent of all hospital admissions and 40 percent of nursing home admissions – with 25 percent of these individuals dying within a year of the fall accident. In excess of $30 billion is spent each year on healthcare costs related to a fall injury. Medicare costs for hip fractures as a result of falls is projected to be $240 billion dollars by 2040.

The collaborating agencies joining the YWCA on the fall prevention initiative are StepWISEnow, Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services and the Westchester Medical Center.