Master of Science in Special Major....

It's been a long semester but my thesis was approved by the Office of Graduate Studies at CSUS! With academic approval, I created a Special Major by combining the studies of Gerontology and Therapeutic Recreation. I call this specialized field of study "Therapeutic Aging".
Gerontology fueled my passion for working with older adults and Therapeutic Recreation (TR) built on my undergraduate Public Health degree. Similar to Public Health, TR encourages living a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent disease and minimize disability. TR also appreciates people with special needs and Gerontology appreciates the special needs of older adults.
As a former personal fitness trainer, I have further specialized my area of expertise to the area of fall prevention exercise. I am a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility instructor and just completed a 12-week research study on Dr. Rose's home-based DVD program, FallProof™ at Home (FAH). I am preparing to teach community-based FallProof™ classes in the local Sacramento region.
My research study is completed. The thesis is written and accepted. I graduate on December 18th with a Master of Science in Therapeutic Aging. I envision myself joining a group of professionals who specialize in working with older adults in a preventative manner. In addition to humility and a willingness to learn, I have a multitude of skills plus years of experience to bring to the table. I am confident that the possibilities are endless.
What a relief. Praise the Lord.
The Fall Prevention Lady,
aka, Master in the House!

Therapeutic Aging....

I have finished the classroom time for my specialized master of science degree, Therapeutic Aging and am now 2 weeks into my Therapeutic Recreation internship at the Cordova Senior Activities center in Rancho Cordova, CA. Although it's tough doing an unpaid internship, the experience truly is priceless. I am applying my gerontology skills (study of aging) by working with the population I thoroughly enjoy; older adults.

My supervisor is a CTRS who is an absolute joy to work for. This woman, Jenn Taylor, knows her stuff. And she has no fear! She is a mover and a shaker who is implementing a risk management-based approach to a totally risky situation after reviewing the risk management manual I prepared for her as part of my graduate studies. She is a professional, she is smart, and she is compassionate. Her area of expertise is children living with developmental disabilities but she can shine anywhere because she believes in the Therapeutic Recreation process; APIE.

Through Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation, recreation can be therapeutic. As older adults are faced with increasing amounts of leisure time and increased physical limitations, it is up to community providers to assess, plan, and implement effective programs that improve quality of life. The only way to realize if the program was successful is to evaluate the responses and outcomes.

NO matter what age or what disability, people who take responsibility for their health can be successful. Aging is a unique process to each and everyone of us and so are strengths and abilities. Discover what you can do, combine it with what you love to do and you will thrive. Adaptations can be made, respect your limitations and challenge yourself safely to reduce the risk of an accidental fall.
In other words, Take 5 to Exercise everyday however you enjoy!

The Fall Prevention Lady

I'm IN, Therapeutic Aging, watch out!

  Ok, I got the news:  I have been accepted to California State University at Sacramento to pursue a Specialized major, one I created, a Master of Science in Therapeutic Aging!  I am so excited because my thesis will be studying my Take 5 to Exercise program within local settings, maybe even the Veteran's Administration.  

I will begin graduate school in January and finish one year later, Spring 2010.  Wow, 2010 and my life will just begin.  See, it's never too late to start something.  I will be 42 years old when I get my Masters and my professional career finally takes off.  Being an older student has it's benefits though.  I have done the wild and crazy freshmen stuff.  I have been married (and divorced).  I have discovered my spiritual gifts.  I know what I am passionate about and what I could care less about.  

I want you to ask yourself the same things.  Are you living the life you want to live?  Are you doing what you can to make the most out of life?  I realize, and respect, the changes that a person faces during the aging process:  the body slows down, years and years of poor choices add up, reality sets in.  We are not who we used to be, we have new limitations.  

But life is meant to be lived.  Challenges occur, adjustments are made, life goes on.  There's nothing easy about getting older, it's tough but in order to be the best you can be, it's critical that you maintain your body.  The basics:  stretch, strengthen, practice good posture, maintain the little muscles, challenge your balance.  

The basics that can be done while seated in your chair.  Senior exercise videos are everywhere but be careful.  I want you to learn from someone who is passionate about helping people reduce the risk of a fall.  Someone who has studied fall prevention exercises.  Someone who teaches seated exercise routines regularly.  

Do you know what is truly important to you? If you value independence, order my Take 5 to Exercise fall prevention dvd series and live the life you want.

The Fall Prevention Lady, 

soon to be Master Ward!

Take 5 to Exercise is Therapeutic Aging

I have decided to return to California State University Sacramento and complete my master's degree.   CSUS offers a specialized master's program for academically blessed people like me in which you design your own degree. In 2006, I completed the Graduate Certificate of Gerontology program and now, I have applied to combine my study of aging with Therapeutic Recreation and call it Therapeutic Aging.

Therapeutic Recreation builds on my undergraduate Public Health foundation of health promotion and disease prevention.  TR also compliments my Gerontology studies in that it focuses on enhancing independent living skills while improving one's overall quality of life.    

     Hhhmmmm, sound familiar?  My "Take 5 to Exercise" Fall Prevention DVD series also promotes healthy lifestyle behaviors while preventing disability through consistent stretching and strengthening routines.....  :))))

I am excited about this because it is my aspiration to do a university study of my Take 5 to Exercise program within local assisted living facilities, or better yet, the Veteran's Administration, in order to prove the benefits of consistent stretching and strengthening routines in order to reduce the risk of falling!  

     The result: an evidence-based model of fall prevention through the specific application of consistent physical movement.  This is good.  My program is good.  I am focused.  Soon you will call me master!  Order your copy today before the price goes up!  www.take5toexercise.com

Praising his precious name...

The Fall Prevention Lady