What is balance?
Balance is being able to control our bodies in space despite what’s going on in the world around is and is controlled by our visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems. Many of us as we get older begin to lack the adequate mobility, strength, power, and coordination to control ourselves in many environments and that can put us at greater risk of falls. Many falls are preventable and identifying hazards around the house such as slippery surfaces, loose carpeting, high thresholds, uneven surfaces can be identified. Of course, gaining better strength, power, coordination, mobility, and working on balance can help improve your odds as well as allow you to get back to doing what you enjoy! You can improve your balance at ANY AGE!
Facts About Falls according to the CDC
Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. In New Mexico, over one in four adults (29.6%) age 65 and older, report falling each year.
Falls Are Serious and Costly
I don’t mention these facts as a way to make you fear more as I don’t believe changing one’s weaknesses and behavior is best done by creating more fear. I do, however, want to empower you that YOU can improve your balance at any age, if you are willing to put in the work and the time!
If you are wanting to work with a Senior Fitness Specialist that has the skills, experience, and tools to help you improve your balance so you can continue to do the things you want to do or improve or at least maintain your independence, then we should talk! I can help you get back to not fearing activity again. Life is an adventure… how can I help you continue yours?
Balance is being able to control our bodies in space despite what’s going on in the world around is and is controlled by our visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems. Many of us as we get older begin to lack the adequate mobility, strength, power, and coordination to control ourselves in many environments and that can put us at greater risk of falls. Many falls are preventable and identifying hazards around the house such as slippery surfaces, loose carpeting, high thresholds, uneven surfaces can be identified. Of course, gaining better strength, power, coordination, mobility, and working on balance can help improve your odds as well as allow you to get back to doing what you enjoy! You can improve your balance at ANY AGE!
Facts About Falls according to the CDC
Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. In New Mexico, over one in four adults (29.6%) age 65 and older, report falling each year.
Falls Are Serious and Costly
- Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries with 20% causing serious injury including fractures.
- Over 800,000 people a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.
- Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
- ~10% of nursing home admissions are related to falls.
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling (usually by falling sideways).
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- In 2015, the total medical costs for falls totaled more than $50 billion!
I don’t mention these facts as a way to make you fear more as I don’t believe changing one’s weaknesses and behavior is best done by creating more fear. I do, however, want to empower you that YOU can improve your balance at any age, if you are willing to put in the work and the time!
If you are wanting to work with a Senior Fitness Specialist that has the skills, experience, and tools to help you improve your balance so you can continue to do the things you want to do or improve or at least maintain your independence, then we should talk! I can help you get back to not fearing activity again. Life is an adventure… how can I help you continue yours?
