A popular trend in the aging industry is "aging in place". The long-term vision of this concept is to help adults remain in their home for as long as possible and in order to do this, homes are modified with future needs in mind. Single story homes reduce the need for stairs and ramps, wider doorways leave room for wheelchairs and toilets are raised so it's easier to sit down and get up. These are just a few of the home modifications that builders are incorporating into new homes in hopes of allowing families to "age in place" once they move into a new home.
This is great for baby boomers but what about the older generation that has already been living in their home for over 50 years? I recently started working with two new clients; one is 93 and the other is 90-years old and both have been living in their home for over 40 years. These ladies are very different but the same; both are concerned about falling. One is frequent faller and the other is not. One is well-educated and has been to the best of the best doctors and physical therapists while the other does some exercises in bed but doesn't know how or why she is doing certain movements.
After one week, both are standing taller and both have increased awareness of her limits of stability. This increased awareness has a direct affect on their balance confidence and although both are very aware of personal limitations, they now know that their body will adapt to these new demands. The 93-year old is extremely driven and has high expectations of herself. She constantly compares her body to younger years which must be difficult. As an athlete, I see myself in this woman! Both need to give her body time to adjust, afterall Rome wasn't built in a day.
After two sessions, the frequent faller is already showing tremendous improvement! Her walking gait is more steady and she is not as dizzy because she has learned to stabilize her gaze. I adjusted her walker so she is no longer hunched over, looking at the floor. It's amazing what education can do; a person cannot be expected to change her/his life unless she/he is given the tools to do so. I can't wait to see this woman's pre- and post-assessment scores! Remember, the worse condition you are in when you begin, the greater the improvement after consistent training!
Both of these women are over 90 years old and have decided to invest in their independence and I am so proud of them. There is nothing better than knocking on the door and seeing eyes light up when I carry in my fall prevention exercise training props. These ladies want to not only remain independent but also thrive in their home for as long as possible. When taught evidence-based balance and mobility training techniques, the risk of an accidental fall is significantly reduced.
Stay home and train or join a small group. Take 5 to Exercise each day. As a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist and certified personal fitness trainer, I am available in the Sacramento region to help adults remain independent and thrive in the life they have worked so hard to deserve.
Contact me today about yourself or a loved one! It's never too late!
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