Strengths-based approach to fall prevention

 I have been getting acclimated to a new department, new professors, a new philosophy as I complete my masters degree in Science.   Let me clarify, the Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration at CSUS is new to me!  Parks and Recreation programs have been around for years but they certainly haven't received the recognition or respect deserved.

Leisure is a science.  What a person does in his leisure time is key to personal development and quality of life.  I would like you to think about what "leisure" means to you?  Once you've formulated an idea, think about what you do in your leisure time.   Life is demanding and stressful so the quality of your free time certainly affects your health not to mention overall quality of life.

There is another important aspect about the Parks and Recreation program that I would like to mention, specifically Therapeutic Recreation.  1 in 20 Americans has some type of disability.  The older a person gets, the greater the risk of disability he or she faces.  The need for programs that reduce the risk of disability is essential.  Reducing the risk of a fall becomes top priority not only to individuals but also to communities.  One of the primary objectives of Therapeutic Recreation is to allow equal opportunity to all program to all people.  

As a Personal Fitness Trainer who works with older populations to reduce the risk of a fall through the application of consistent physical movement,  I am aware of limitations and the need to respect those limitations.  I am aware that a person, no matter what limitations, needs to Take 5 to Exercise each day.  A strengths-based approach should be considered when working with someone.  Take into consideration what he or she can do and do not focus on the things he or she can't do.  

Fortunately, I have been practicing "Therapeutic Recreation" in my classes and the need for fun fitness programs that challenge one's limitations is going to explode as the population ages and unfortunately as the population continues to get more and more unhealthy.  The astronomical cost of health care demands government to provide cost effective, community-based programs that not only provide health promotion programs but also help to improve quality of life.

Sounding very Therapeutic,

THe Fall PRevention Lady

Consistently plugging along....

I haven't written in a few weeks because I've been practicing more than fall prevention balance activities. I am now balancing full-time classes in Graduate school, teaching fall prevention exercise routines for the 50+ Wellness program, providing personal fitness training sessions at Intel and privately, and continuing to market my senior exercise video series, Take 5 to Exercise.
All that and staying consistent to my own workouts. Wow, it's a lot on my plate but not more than I can handle.
Life is about balance: knowing your limitations, being aware of your priorities and safely pushing yourself out of your comfort zone in order to improve. The body adapts to new physical challenges and as a person's environment changes, his or her life adapts to new routine in order to survive. A phenomena known as survival of the fittest.
Older generations know all about survival of the fittest because of the social, personal, and financial circustances that they had to endure.  It's a characteristic known as resilience.  The oldest of the old demonstrate those behaviors but mostly, the mindset.  Perhaps we could learn a few lessons from our elders during this difficult time.

In return, give the gift of health.  Take 5 to Exercise with them.

Blessings,

The Fall Prevention Lady