Ossining Woman Looks Forward to Phelps’ Annual Autumn Games

OSSINING, NY — Every 11 seconds an American aged 65+ arrives at a hospital emergency department with a fall-related injury. Every 19 minutes one of them dies from causes directly related to the fall. There’s a simple way to help prevent you or a loved one from becoming one of these statistics—find a good balance and exercise program.

The 4th annual Autumn Games, sponsored by Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow and the Town of Mt. Pleasant, is a great place to start. Autumn Games, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Mt. Pleasant Community Center in Valhalla, will help area residents kick off a new habit of regular physical activity, change up your existing exercise routine, or find like-minded people to join you in staying fit.

“This year we’ve scheduled the games as a run up to Falls Prevention Awareness Day, which is observed the following Monday,” said Ellen Woods of Phelps Hospital. “We don’t want you to just be aware of the dangers of falls. We want to make it easy for you to DO something to protect yourself.”

Beyond the physical injuries, falls carry a heavy quality of life impact. Older adults worried about falling often limit their activities and social engagements. This can lead to further physical decline, isolation and depression. That’s why the Autumn Games includes big doses of socializing and fun!

Anne Masse of Ossining enjoyed the games last year and looks forward to attending this year as well. “I took advantage of the wonderful choices of physical activities that matched my physical needs,” she said. “I was mentally stimulated by the fun and by the conversation. I left Autumn Games feeling better than when I came.”

There’s more than one way to get fit. Take on the challenges of bocce or pickleball. Bring your swim suit for some pool time. Try line dancing, Zumba Gold or laughter yoga. Negotiate the obstacle course, join a team for an old-fashioned scavenger hunt, or do it all. If you’re recovering from an illness or just not up for something physical, you can exercise your brain by playing Name that Tune or just chatting with friends, old and new.

Autumn Games is unlike any other event in Westchester. Strictly for people 55 and older, this free day of fitness and fun offers plenty of opportunities for older adults to socialize and interact with one another.

Pre-registration is not required, but will be appreciated. Click here.

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