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The current system of senior centers is outdated and needs to be assessed to see what programs are working and which are no longer necessary.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

Strengths-based approach to fall prevention

 I have been getting acclimated to a new department, new professors, a new philosophy as I complete my masters degree in Science.   Let me clarify, the Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration at CSUS is new to me!  Parks and Recreation programs have been around for years but they certainly haven't received the recognition or respect deserved.

Leisure is a science.  What a person does in his leisure time is key to personal development and quality of life.  I would like you to think about what "leisure" means to you?  Once you've formulated an idea, think about what you do in your leisure time.   Life is demanding and stressful so the quality of your free time certainly affects your health not to mention overall quality of life.

There is another important aspect about the Parks and Recreation program that I would like to mention, specifically Therapeutic Recreation.  1 in 20 Americans has some type of disability.  The older a person gets, the greater the risk of disability he or she faces.  The need for programs that reduce the risk of disability is essential.  Reducing the risk of a fall becomes top priority not only to individuals but also to communities.  One of the primary objectives of Therapeutic Recreation is to allow equal opportunity to all program to all people.  

As a Personal Fitness Trainer who works with older populations to reduce the risk of a fall through the application of consistent physical movement,  I am aware of limitations and the need to respect those limitations.  I am aware that a person, no matter what limitations, needs to Take 5 to Exercise each day.  A strengths-based approach should be considered when working with someone.  Take into consideration what he or she can do and do not focus on the things he or she can't do.  

Fortunately, I have been practicing "Therapeutic Recreation" in my classes and the need for fun fitness programs that challenge one's limitations is going to explode as the population ages and unfortunately as the population continues to get more and more unhealthy.  The astronomical cost of health care demands government to provide cost effective, community-based programs that not only provide health promotion programs but also help to improve quality of life.

Sounding very Therapeutic,

THe Fall PRevention Lady

Consistently plugging along....

I haven't written in a few weeks because I've been practicing more than fall prevention balance activities. I am now balancing full-time classes in Graduate school, teaching fall prevention exercise routines for the 50+ Wellness program, providing personal fitness training sessions at Intel and privately, and continuing to market my senior exercise video series, Take 5 to Exercise.
All that and staying consistent to my own workouts. Wow, it's a lot on my plate but not more than I can handle.
Life is about balance: knowing your limitations, being aware of your priorities and safely pushing yourself out of your comfort zone in order to improve. The body adapts to new physical challenges and as a person's environment changes, his or her life adapts to new routine in order to survive. A phenomena known as survival of the fittest.
Older generations know all about survival of the fittest because of the social, personal, and financial circustances that they had to endure.  It's a characteristic known as resilience.  The oldest of the old demonstrate those behaviors but mostly, the mindset.  Perhaps we could learn a few lessons from our elders during this difficult time.

In return, give the gift of health.  Take 5 to Exercise with them.

Blessings,

The Fall Prevention Lady

FallProof! Certification weekend....

Ok, I'm down in beautiful (and exceptionally warm for January) Southern California to observe the practical exam for students who have completed the 6-month online FallProof course. Upon successful completion of the exam this weekend, these instructors will be certified to teach the most up-to-date, scientifically researched fall prevention techniques as part of their classes. And with that honor comes professional referrals to your specific location.
I am excited about meeting new people who are passionate about reducing the prevalence of falls through effective, professionally designed activities. Part of the routines are done while seated and part focuses on real-life, dynamic movement that challenges senses that affect your balance.
I already met Don Rapp, a Gerontologist, ACSM Personal Trainer and man who refers to himself as a "Balance Enhancement Specialist"! Do you believe it? Great minds think alike as he and I both refer to ourselves as Balance Enhancement Specialists! He is here to take the practical exam. Good luck, Don. Click here to check out his website.
As an instructor who teaches fall risk reduction classes for the City of Sacramento's 50+ Wellness program and an independently contracted senior fitness trainer, I am always wanting to expand my knowledge base and keep current on research and new techniques. Dr. Debra Rose is an icon in the fall prevention exercise world so to be here is quite an honor. Fall Prevention exercise doesn't get much better than this.
As the producer of an awesome fall risk reduction DVD series, Take 5 to Exercise, I am thrilled to see that my senior exercise video program is right on time. Take 5 to Exercise promotes consistent activity, improved range of motion (aka, flexibility), increased strength, practicing proper posture, and maintaining total body balance.

Click here to order your copy today to get in on the benefits of consistent exercise!

Your Balance Enhancement Specialist!