The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. invites the community of all ages to participate in a walk on Wednesday, Sept. 25 to help bring awareness to the prevention of falls.

A community walk will take place in Lexington, OH. The event will take place on the B&O Bike Trail from 7 to 11 a.m., and participants are welcome to start at any time during these hours. Walk as much or as little as you like. Parking is available at the Lexington Senior Center (64 East Main Street, Lexington), with the walk starting at Y-Not Cycle & Fitness (64 E Main St, Lexington).

This event is an opportunity to get steps in, connect with the Area Agency on Aging team, and learn about wellness programs and transportation services. The total steps will be submitted to the Ohio Department of Aging as part of a statewide tally. All participants will receive a free walking gift. Bikes and adaptive riding equipment can also be rented from Y-Not Cycle & Fitness at your own expense.

This walk is part of National Falls Prevention Awareness Week, aimed at highlighting ways older Ohioans can reduce their risk of falling. The Area Agency on Aging, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Aging, encourages everyone to participate in the "10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls" initiative throughout September.

Each year, one in three Ohioans over the age of 60 will experience a fall, which can result in serious injury or even death. However, falls are not an inevitable part of aging, and most can be prevented. Regular physical activity, such as walking, is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of falling, making it the focus of this annual event.

For more information about this walk or free classes on falls prevention, call 567-247-6458. In the event of rain, the walk with be canceled.

The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., located at 2131 Park Avenue West in Ontario, provides leadership, collaboration, coordination and services to older adults, people with disabilities, their caregivers and resource networks that support individual choice, independence and dignity.