Fall risk assessment results are in....

13 older adults were assessed for fall risk at the Sam Pannell Community Center (SPCC). Because this was a group of higher functioning elders who live independently within the local community, the appropriate fall risk assessment tool to use was the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale. It takes approximately 15 minutes per person to implement and provides myself and the participant with valuable insight about the multiple dimensions involved in balance and mobility.

Having just completed an extensive literature review for my fall prevention exercise thesis, I am familiar with the demographics and percentages associated with older adults and falls. For instance, it is estimated that one in three adults over the age of 65 falls each year (CDC, 2008). If one third of adults fall each year, I am curious about the percentage that is AT RISK. Obviously, more people are at risk of falling than those who actually fall but it would be interesting to know those numbers. Perhaps future doctoral studies will gain some insight to those numbers? :)

Anyhow, according to the valid and reliable FAB fall risk assessment tool, 7 out of 13 adults over the age of 65 were identified at risk of falling at the SPCC FAB clinic. What was interesting was that 7 out of the 13 adults were over the age of 80 and all but one of those in the eighth decade of life were identified at an increased risk of falling. Although small in sample size, the results of the SPCC FAB clinic support research indicating that the risk of falling increases with age.

So what can one do to reduce the risk of falling? REMAIN ACTIVE. Get into a consistent exercise program that focuses on strength and endurance training, balance and flexibility training. Of course, I recommend the FallProof™ program but if you do like exercise at home and want to start slowly, the Take 5 to Exercise™ fall prevention DVD series is a great place to start. Engaging in a walking program in addition to participating in the Take 5 to Exericse™ DVDs is a fabulous way to reduce the risk of falls, no matter what age.

Loving research and evidence-based programs,
The Fall Prevention Lady

Fall Prevention exercise research study wants u!

Exercise at home. Learn cutting edge, RESEARCH-BASED techniques developed at the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence. Contribute to the field of knowledge in fall prevention exercise research.

1 in 3 older adults who live in the community will fall each year. Although associated with aging, falls are not a NATURAL part of growing older...the risk can be reduced. Nationally recognized fall prevention expert, DR. DEBRA ROSE, created a multi-dimensional approach to reducing the risk of falling.

Her evidenced-based program begins with a thorough assessment, the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale, to identify fall risk. Each person ages differently and therefore has different abilities and weaknesses. The FAB is intended for higher functioning older adults. It is crucial that the assessment tool fit the population.....

If you are an older adult who lives independently at home, have fallen in the past year or are concerned about falling, and live in the Sacramento region, researcher KELLY WARD's fall prevention exercise study might be just for you! She needs study participants who want to exercise at home following the FallProof™ at Home DVD series.
The FallProof™ at Home series consists of 3 progressively challenging DVDs. You are assessed before and after the 12-week study and monitor your individual progress. That's it. The DVD series is for those in the study group and offered to those who are randomly assigned to the control group.

Sacramento research study FULLERTON ADVANCED BALANCE scale clinics:
August 3: Oak Park Community Center. 12:30-5 pm: 3425 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 95817
August 7: Cordova Senior Activities Center. 10-2 pm: 3480 Routier Road. 95827
August 10: Natomas Community Center. 12:30-5 pm: 2921 Truxel Road. 95833
August 18: Eskaton. 1-5 pm. 5959 65th street 95823

Contact Kelly Ward if interested in participating. Participation is strictly voluntary and there is no compensation (pay) for your efforts. livinfit@gmail.com

The Fall Prevention Lady