Preventing falls in the elderly is an important issue as around one third of people over the age of 65 suffer a fall each year. Over 20% of these falls require medical attention making it the most common cause of hospital admission. Bone fractures, especially hip fractures are a common result of falls. Sadly 40% of those who have a hip fracture die within 6 months and a quarter of all those who need hospital treatment following a fall die within a year.
The
objective of exercise in falls prevention is to improve strength in functional
muscles (e.g. upper and lower body),
core balance muscles and postural muscles. Strengthening these muscle groups
will make people steadier on their feet and reduce their overall risk of
falling. Many factors are involved in falls prevention but exercise plays one
of the major roles. Any physical activity that people enjoy should be
encouraged, including walking, swimming and cycling. Other forms of weight
bearing exercise also help to maintain bone density, decreasing the risk of
osteoporosis, which in turn decrease the risk of fracturing a bone when
falling. In the case of people who are less mobile, simple chair based
exercises can be performed to strengthen the muscles in the arms and legs as
well as strengthening their core and postural muscles.
Pilates in an excellent form of exercise that focuses on both stretching and strengthening muscles. Come and join us for some Pilates workshops at forthcoming Mind Body and Soul Retreat at the Martinsell Centre Nr Swindon Wiltshire on 28-29th April.
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