Falls Prevention Takes Center Stage at New Mexico Conference on Aging

3 hours ago

2 min read

Ann Church and Cynthia LaCoe-Maniaci Engage a Packed Room of Older Adults and Caregivers

October 20, 2026

Falls prevention was a hot topic at the New Mexico State Conference on Aging on October 22, as Ann Church, Founder and Executive Director of Villages of Santa Fe, and Cynthia LaCoe-Maniaci of Oasis Albuquerque spoke to a packed room of older adults, caregivers, and community members.

Their message was simple: Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Many falls can be prevented.

The presentation sparked an enthusiastic discussion, with attendees asking thoughtful, practical questions about how to reduce fall risks and find help in their communities.

Among the most frequently raised questions were:

How can I get trained in fall prevention? Attendees wanted to learn about available programs and opportunities to become trained fall-prevention leaders.
Which medications increase the risk of falling? Participants asked about medications that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or balance problems, and the importance of reviewing medications with healthcare professionals.
Where can older adults and caregivers turn for help? Many wanted to know how to find fall-risk assessments, balance and strength classes, and evidence-based prevention programs in their communities.

Church and LaCoe-Maniaci emphasized the importance of bringing accessible, affordable fall-prevention programs to communities throughout New Mexico, particularly rural areas where transportation, distance, and limited resources can create barriers.

Programs such as Tai Chi, OTAGO, balance and strength training, and community fall-prevention workshops can help older adults improve mobility, build confidence, and maintain independence.

The strong attendance and lively discussion reinforced a growing interest in practical fall-prevention resources for older New Mexicans and their caregivers.