Reducing Fall Risk With Exercise
By Editorial Staff
A fall isn't pleasant at any age, but when you're older, it can be significantly more dangerous – particularly if you're a senior who may be experiencing declining bone health and/or suffering from one or more health issues that compromise balance.
That's the risk; here's the risk reducer: exercise. According to recent research, senior women with health issues requiring multiple medications (known as polypharmacy; in this case, four or more meds) benefit from an exercise program – tai chi and circuit training, one day each per week.
In the study, the lowest fall risk following the 12-month intervention (six months on the above program, followed by six months of unrestricted access to city recreational facilities) was among women who exercised.
The risk reduction was significant: Fall risk among women who exercised was 29% lower than women in the control group, who were using 0-1 medications and did not participate in the exercise intervention. Falls were monitored for approximately two years to assess the success of the exercise program.
If you or a loved one are worried about fall risk, ask your / their doctor to help outline an easy exercise program to reduce the risk, and improve overall physical and mental health. An added bonus: Exercise could even eliminate the need to take medication, particularly if they're designed to treat health issues related to weight, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions proven to be improved by exercise.
