As people age, they may experience joint stiffness, muscle weakness, loss of tissue suppleness, reduced sensation, and slowed reflexes. Falls may be triggered by things like faulty posture, loss of heel strike, loss of gait rhythm and loss of balance. Taking steps to improve and maintain health and general well being is an important aspect of falls prevention for elderly people.
Elderly Falls Prevention and Exercise
Elderly people should try to get regular exercise and remain physically active, as it helps them to maintain muscle and bone strength, improve balance and gait, and retain mobility and endurance. Lack of exercise leads to an accelerated loss of bone strength and makes a fracture more likely in the event of a fall.
Going for walks regularly is an effective form of exercise. Light gardening and housework are also great ways for elderly people to stay physically active. Organised weekly group exercise sessions such keep fit classes, dancing and Tai Chi, led by instructors who are trained in safe exercise for older people, are also good forms of exercise.
