Leisure-time activity and fall prevention

Studying to become a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, I am learning about leisure and the importance of a satisfying leisure lifestyle. What one person values as leisure is entirely different from the next person. Leisure activities are highly individualistic and what reflect the values of an individual. I value my health so my leisure-time activities involve exercise. However, I also enjoy traveling. Due to my college-student income (or lack thereof), finances have a direct impact on the leisure activities I can enjoy.
For most, the leisure lifestyle is synonymous with the lifestyles of the rich and famous. That is the ideal; houses, boats, jets, beaches, relaxing, doing nothing. However, leisure is more than that. It can be half an hour of free time spent listening to the birds. Leisure can be playing cards with your friends or drinking a beer while watching the football game. People have different values thus people have different leisure lifestyles.
During the industrial revolution, our society valued work and the puritan work ethic. Times have changed and thanks to technology, a person doesn't have to work as hard or as long to pay the bills in order to exist. As the baby boomers retire and are forced with excessive amounts of 'free-time', people need to reconsider their leisure philosophy. The time is earned, you deserve it, what are you going to do with it? Enjoy it and feel good about your leisure. Think about what you value.
If you value your independence and your health, it would behoove you to incorporate consistent activity into your daily routine. Leisure-time activities such as following along with your favorite fall risk reduction exercise instructor (ME!), walking with friends, challenging your balance, strengthening your muscles and making the time to Take 5 to Exercise will help keep you independent and living the life you want. Freedom of choice is an essential component of leisure; a person cannot be forced to something leisurely and enjoy it.
Take the time to connect with your body and mind as you follow along with my exercise videos for seniors. Learn as you grow. It's never too late.
At your leisure,
The Fall Prevention Lady

Self discipline and Fall Prevention

I recently suffered a major disappointment in my professional pathway and I found myself in a bad place:   a pity party and no one was invited.  Yes, it's true, life is full of setbacks and how we cope with those disappointments not only forms our character but also determines our future. 

If you listen to the negativity, you begin to believe the trash and your actions follow accordingly.   For instance, if your doctor attributes a recent fall to "getting old" and states that falls are a normal part of aging,  you'll start believing that falls are inevitable and you won't do anything about your physical being.

I am here to tell you that falls are not a normal part of the natural aging process.  Yes, it is true, people begin to fall more as they age but there are numerous causes for a fall:  multiple medication mismanagement, home environment hazards, poor nutrition, and physical weakness due to the loss of lean muscle. 

You have to believe in something in order to see it.  Start believing that you are strong and healthy and if you are sick, begin to focus on the healing powers of your body.  Envision yourself strong, capable, and able.   You deserve a quality life and once you believe that and begin to see yourself functioning safely,  you will feel better.   Start small and be grateful for the little things.

If you have a fallen and are afraid of falling again,  start your Take 5 to Exercise seated stretching and strengthening routines today and you will begin to feel yourself getting stronger as you gain more flexibility.  Keep doing my Take 5 to Exercise program for 3 weeks and you will notice your improved posture as your confidence soars as you become increasingly aware of your body and respect those physical limitations.

Hey, I think success is the best revenge so show your doctors, your loved ones, and yourself that you are a strong, capable adult who can not only function but thrive as you age.  As for me, I will never stop believing in myself .

Yours truly,

The Fall Prevention Lady