Can you believe it is almost summer time? We are essentially half way through the year and boy oh boy what a year it has been! Now that things are starting to re-open and the weather is getting warmer, you and your loved one(s) are likely going to be spending more time out and about. This means more time moving, and with that comes a greater risk of falls.
As a Regulated Health Professional who specializes in falls prevention, this is one of my favourite topics to discuss. Putting an emphasis on fitness and organization are two great ways for older adults to keep themselves safe by minimizing their fall risk.
The Numbers Don’t Lie:
According to Government of Canada’s statistics, falls are by far the most common injury among older Canadians.
Every year, it is estimated 1 in 3 seniors aged 65 years and older are likely to fall at least once.
Falls also make up 85% of injury-related hospitalizations among seniors with over one third being placed in long term care as a result.
These may be sobering statistics but there are things you can do to help reduce this risk. Allow me to explain.
Be In Balance:
Increasing your physical activity level and working on your balance are excellent places to start.
Did you know that everyone uses two different types of balance to prevent falling? One is called static (when we’re standing still) and the other is dynamic (when we’re moving around). If we don’t challenge these types of balance types, it becomes that much more difficult to keep maintain current health and fitness levels.
In order to challenge our balance, having adequate lower body strength is a must. Resistance training, whether it be using our own body weight, or using equipment such as bands and weights, can make our leg muscles much stronger. Squats, lunges and various seated exercises are just a few of the ways to make this happen.
Clean Your Room(s):
There are times when falls aren’t a result of our own fitness levels, but of the environment around us. The less cluttered our environments are, the more we minimize our chance of falls.
Little things such as making sure that hallways are clear or extension cords are along the walls can help to reduce the risk of falls in the home. Finding and removing loose rugs or uneven flooring are also two relatively simple adjustments you can make to your environment. A little bit of organization goes a long way.
Work With A Pro:
At Stephen Fitness & Rehabilitation, we provide suggestions to you and your loved one(s) on how to make your living space better equipped to prevent falls.
Our services are also specifically designed for individuals living in Oakville and London, Ontario looking for extra help becoming more active in a safe and effective manner.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one(s) become stronger, more mobile and independent in the comfort of home.
