Myths Of Falling And Senior Balance Exercises

Senior Balance Exercises To Prevent Falling

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com

Performing senior balance exercises as a regular part of your day can help to prevent falls and the injuries associated with falls. Please see   http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Medical researchers at the National Council On Aging have studied older adults and the common instances that lead to a fall. Healthcare workers as well as medical researchers are determined to raise awareness of fall prevention to maximize aging adults quality of life free from falls as well as assisting to reduce the enormous healthcare costs that are associated with seniors falling. In general, many people think falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they're not. Most falls can be prevented—and you have the power to reduce your risk.  Exercising, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall. Every year on the first day of fall, we celebrate National Falls Prevention Awareness Day to bring attention to this growing public health issue. To promote greater awareness and understanding here are 10 common myths about older adult falls:

Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me. Reality: Many people think, "It won't happen to me." But the truth is that 1 in 3 older adults—about 12 million—fall every year in the U.S.

Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older. Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.

Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won't fall.  Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities will actually help you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.

Myth 4: As long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling. Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.

Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can't be regained. Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you've been a "couch potato" your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.

Myth 6: Taking medication doesn't increase my risk of falling. Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many different ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when starting a new medication. Talk to your health care provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medications.

 Myth 7: I don't need to get my vision checked every year.  Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.

Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent. Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you in its safe use.

Myth 9: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.  Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family, and anyone else who is in a position to help. They want to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling.

Myth 10: I don't need to talk to my parent, spouse, or other older adult if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings, and it's none of my business.

Senior Balance Exercises For Fall Prevention

As we can see in the checklist provided by the national council on aging, performing senior balance exercises is one of the most critical ways to reduce the risk of falling for older individuals. both equilibrium routines and strengthening exercises assist aging adults to build strong leg muscles and good balance reactions, which translate into enhanced stability with all movement activities. a good exercise to start with is standing with your feet in a shoulder width a part position and shift your weight from side to side ten times and then front to back ten times. by learning to control your body's weight shifting, you will be better able to handle your balance in a situation where you feel off-balanced. you can learn appropriate stability techniques and senior balance exercises that you can practice in the comfort of your own home under the direction of an experienced physical therapist with the exercise for balance dvd.

Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    To get started on an excellent program with the best balance exercises, get the Exercise For Balance DVD. The Balance DVD is easy to follow and designed as an excellent instructional tool to use at home or in a group setting. The comprehensive DVD comes complete with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, balance techniques and balance routines from a balance trainer --licensed Physical Therapist-- who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

Don't wait another day to start balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.ncoa.org