Monday, July 25, 2011

Fall Prevention exercise incorporates purposeful play

As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), I have studied and appreciate the value of recreation and leisure activities for the physical, emotional, spiritual and social benefits. However the "games" we played as children are not only fun but also therapeutic. When engaged in regularly, purposeful play has the potential to improve the quality of life for older adults by reducing the risk of falls.

I currently offer progressively challenging FallProof™ balance and mobility training to older adults living in the Sacramento region. As a certified instructor, I follow Dr. Rose's professionally-designed program plan to safely challenge participants (she does NOT encourage creativity for a reason...she knows what works!). I constantly remind people that this is not a senior fitness class but these are intimate group training classes.

Sound serious? It is! Falls are a severe problem among older adults and preventing falls is a serious matter. I take what I do seriously but FallProof™ balance and mobility training is not all work; these balance and mobility classes are fun, too! Each class incorporates a "culminating activity" that challenges the skills taught in daily lesson.

Purposeful Play. I am continually learning the value of the games I played as a kid as I have my older adult participants "play" in class. The only difference is now I'm teaching how to remain balanced. Purposeful play....reducing the risk of falls and having fun!

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