|Physical Activity - The "Trump Card"
|The number ONE thing anyone can do to prevent falls is to keep active. Inactivity is harmful. By not being active, muscles lose their strength and flexibility, two things needed to prevent falls. One should exercise to the ability they have. This doesn’t mean running or aerobics, this means walking around, doing things one enjoys. The generally accepted guidelines are 2.5 hours / week of moderate physical activity, activity that slightly increases one’s heart rate is different. You must determine what being active means for you and what activities you enjoy and will do. |
Visit Physical Activity Guidelines for more information. Or, for a brief description, go to Factsheet.
|Matter of Balance
|Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls|
Have you turned down a chance to go out with family or friends because you were concerned about falling? Have you cut down on a favorite activity because you might fall? If so, A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is a program for you.
Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in severe physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Many older adults also experience increased isolation and depression when they limit their interactions with family and friends. A Matter of Balance can help people improve their quality of life and remain independent.
A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment and to reduce their fall risk factors. Participants also learn simple exercises to help improve balance, strength and flexibility.
To find out about A Matter of Balance class nearest you please contact:
Evidence Based Health Programs Staff at infoEBHP@ardc.org