(PRWEB) January 09, 2014
How about a New Year’s resolution that is not only doable but beneficial to your overall health? The staff of Milwaukee senior living community, Alexian Village wants you to promise yourself that you will not fall and then ensure that it comes true.
Statistics tell the story: adults who fall aged 65 and older is 1 in 3, 20-30% of those falls can result in severe injuries, falls are the leading cause of injury or death among those 65 and older and one of the most common reasons to visit the emergency room.
Older adults often feel stable and steady, thinking that a fall will never happen to them. Yet, a simple slip of a foot or quickly rising from a chair and they don’t know how they’ve landed on the floor.
To fulfill this New Year’s resolution, consider some simple changes both in the home and body. Making one's living space safe is the first step by eliminating throw rugs, no matter how sentimental they may be to you and removing any visible extension cords. Also making the bathroom secure with handrails helps maintain balance and avoid slippery floors.
“Exercise doesn’t need to be a scary word for older adults,” says Jane Fuller, Alexian Village’s personal trainer in its “Fit for Life” program. “Simple exercises using just a chair can stretch and strength muscles to avoid falls.” Try these chair exercises with fifteen repetitions for each. While sitting on an upright chair, raise one leg at time as if trying to kick a soccer ball. Sitting tall, slowly roll the shoulders forward and backwards. Be sure to go slowly. Bring the arms to the body's side and then slowly bring them out to the sides and up over your head and let them back down. Move each ankle in circles first going clockwise and then counterclockwise. How about some marching music? Stand behind the chair and raise your knee as high as you can. You are now stretching muscles and will feel a difference immediately.
“It’s difficult to say absolutely that an older adult will not fall because of exercise but I can guarantee that the possibility diminishes,” Fuller said.
Alexian Village of Milwaukee is one of the most valued continuing care retirement communities in Wisconsin. Alexian Village offers Independent Senior Apartments in Milwauker, Assisted Living, Rehabilitative Services, Skilled Nursing and Adult Day Services. 9301 N. 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI. 53223.