The future of Senior Centers as we know them...

SB977 is a piece of California legislation that calls for the assessment of the current senior center infrastructure so that we as a society are ready to provide for the aging baby boomers. The demographic studies have been out and by 2025, 1 in 5 Californians will be over the age of 65 and the fastest growing segment of the population (nationwide) are people over the age of 85 (CDC, 2006).  The odds of developing a disabling, chronic disease increases proportionately to chronological age; fifty percent of adults older than 65 are living with some type of disability.   

I'm not talking about deadly disease, I'm talking about impairment that affects one or more major life activities.  Limitations in everyday life.  Unfortunately, we are all aware of the outrageous cost of healthcare and if people don't start living a wellness lifestyle, quality healthcare will not be available.

Enter the cost effective senior center.  The local hub of the community, senior centers are a gathering place that provides more than a hot, nutritious meal.  As the need for consistent exercise among older adults increases, so does the demand for qualified programs and instructors.  Falls among the elderly are a public health concern that require a multifactorial approach to prevention. 

The current system of senior centers is outdated and needs to be assessed to see what programs are working and which are no longer necessary.  The days of bingo and meals of meatloaf and mashed potatoes are gone.  Baby boomers want yoga, internet, support groups and sushi.   Needs are increasing and demands are changing.  

Unless you can see yourself going to the same center your parents went to and using the same equipment they used, it's time for a change.  It's time to reassess the current infrastructure so we as a society are better prepared to meet the needs of the future.

Physical falls can change a person's life instantaneously and  unfortunately, people don't realize the seriousness until it happens to them, or someone they love.  Participating in a consistent exercise routine not only reduces the risk of a fall but also improves the quality of your life.  My Take 5 to Exercise seated exercise routine is something an adult child and her parents can benefit from.  Be a role model for your parents and your children. 

Take 5 to Exercise each day.

The Fall Prevention Lady

Do not procrastinate: Participate!

I have been teaching my Take 5 to Exercise fall risk reduction exercise class for the City of Sacramento for the past 3 years.  I have been working with a core group of residents at Atria El Camino Gardens for 2 out of those 3 years.  

As a result, my regulars are an extremely fit group of older adults.  In fact, they can do some of the exercises with their eyes closed!  Haha, of course we practice some movements with eyes closed to challenge the other sensory systems involved in balance!

Today we had another new comer.  After a quick assessment, I realized that our newcomer lacks both endurance and confidence.  I encouraged her to work at her own pace and continually reminded her that the other members of the group are so fit because some have been coming to class twice a week for nearly two years.  Regardless of how long they've been in the program, they all have been consistent with their exercises and they all have significantly improved their strength, flexibility, endurance, posture, and balance.

My message is this:  DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!  Get involved in a fall risk reduction program today.  Start moving!  If you do not have a way to get to a group class, you can stretch and flex those muscles from a seated position in the comforts of your home while watching an exercise video series.

Order my Take 5 to Exercise fall risk reduction program and learn how to make movement a part of your daily routine.

The Fall Prevention Lady