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In order to reduce the risk of a fall, a person must first be assessed in order to know what exercises will help her prevent a fall from happening. Sure, walking is a wonderful way to keep fit. There’s no doubt that following along with your favorite senior exercise video several times a week will help keep your body limber and doing seated strengthening exercises will keep your muscles strong. It’s been proven; consistent exercise is the number one way to reduce the risk of an accidental fall….way to Take 5 to Exercise!!!
But each of us ages differently. Due to our unique life experiences, we are all facing different physical challenges and as a result, the exercise program that will help one person remain independent can be entirely different from his/her neighbor’s routine. The Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale is a unique 10-item test that helps identify possible impairments and weakness unique to each person.
I have been out testing older adults in my community the past two weeks and the results are amazing. Each person scored differently and everyone was amazed at the difficulty of what appeared to be a simple test. The FAB test items challenge each of the body systems involved in balance, making the participant instantly aware of a weakness.
Every group I worked with was hungry for the multi-sensory training that I am qualified to teach. As I briefly educated them about some of the FallProof training techniques, their eyes lit up. These people want to learn how to improve their balance and mobility skills. Unfortunately, I am busy with my graduate studies so I am currently unable to offer the intensive 12-week FallProof (TM) program to community residents. However, I gathered some vital baseline data, referred them to the appropriate medical and/or fitness resources and will be returning to retest in 3-4 months.
My Therapeutic Recreation Specialist internship with the Cordova Senior center will be when and where I begin to offer FallProof training to Sacramento residents. Summer 2010. We will be ready for Fall Prevention week next year!
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