One in three adults over the age of 65 fall every year. It’s one of the leading causes of injury for older people. But balance can be improved and the risk of falling can be reduced.
Borgess Medical Center Safety Megyn Gose says balance can be improved through exercise. She says that can include running, walking or muscle conditioning. Borgess is offering a free class called Matter of Balance through November.
Gose says some behavior may not seem risky, but can increase the chance that someone can fall. She says that includes standing on a chair to change a light bulb. Gose says clutter can cause someone to fall. She says area rugs and pets can also pose a risk.
The Matter of Balance class is focused primarily on elderly people. But Gose says there’s no “one size fits all” way to prevent falls. She says caregivers can also seek ideas for helping people with preventing a fall.
Gose says the class is tailored to people who are afraid of falling. She says if the fear of falling leads to less physical activity it can make someone more susceptible to a fall. Gose says not getting out of the house can also lead to depression.
More information about the Matter of Balance Class is available by calling Megyn Gose at 269-226-7075.
