Falls Prevention
Why do we fall over more when we get older?
There are many reasons why we may fall over more as we get older. Some possible reasons include:
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We lose muscle mass and strength which reduces our mobility.
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Our eyesight deteriorates.
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Our hearing deteriorates.
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Our memory gets worse.
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Our reflexes also become slower.
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Our balance becomes worse.
Why is falling so bad?
Falling can result in serious injuries such as broken bones and joint strains, which may lead to hospitalisation and further health issues occurring. Falling can also be more dangerous for those with weaker bones which is usually referred to as Osteoporosis and Osteopenia (pre-Osteoporosis). Falling can also impact on confidence and future physical activity levels which lead to further deconditioning (weakness and poor balance), which then increases the risk of falling.
Is there a way to reduce my risk of falling?
Yes, despite all the gloom and doom above, you can reduce your risk of falling. Exercise is a one of the key methods to reduce your risk of falling. The right exercise can improve your leg strength, balance, walking and mobility, which all help to reduce your risk of falling.
How can I complete appropriate exercise to reduce my risk of falling?
Joining the Still Standing exercise program has demonstrated to reduce the risk of falling. The Still Standing Program is a light exercise program to help reduce the risk of falling over. Falling can be very dangerous as we get older, and the Still Standing Program aims to reduce the risk of falling and associated hospitalisation. This program helps you complete low intensity (light) exercise whilst under the supervision of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
The exercises completed during the classes include:
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Exercises to build leg strength, which are completed in a seated position and safe.
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Balance exercises to improve balance (chairs and supports are provided to reduce risk of falling).
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Mobility exercises to improve how you move (chairs and supports are provided to reduce falling).
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Reflex exercises to help sharpen the mind.
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Participants meet weekly for an hour of exercise and there is plenty of chat, which also means completing the Still Standing Program is also a nice way to meet new people and possibly make new friends.
The program has been running for the past 4 years and produced the following results:
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Average leg strength improved 42%
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Average balance improved 46%
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Average mobility improved 21%
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Average functionality improved 20%
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Number of patients classified as low risk of falling improved from 15% to 62%.
