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Tai Chi
May Combat Seniors’ Fear of Falling
It’s the fear of many older Americans – falling and injuring themselves. And their fears are not unfounded. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 33 percent of Americans, age 65 or older, have at least one serious fall each year. With seniors leading increasingly active lifestyles, hip fractures have steadily increased. There was an increase of more than 80,000 incidents from 1988 to 1996. PM&R physicians help individuals rehabilitate and recover after a fall. But they realize that preventing falls in the first place is the most effective way that they can help. The reason falls in older people can be so serious is that healing occurs more slowly as we age. Other health factors such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and weak cardiopulmonary systems can delay rehabilitation sessions and prevent full recovery. The costs can also be staggering – especially for those lacking insurance or with inadequate coverage. In 1997 the average first year costs of hip fractures were between $16,300 and $18,700 About 60 percent of falls occur at home during normal daily activities. According to PM&R physician Florian Keplinger, MD, seniors can reduce their risk of falling by making a few simple changes in their lives and their homes.
Studies have shown that the most effective fall prevention programs offered to seniors have reduced falls by 30-50%. These programs usually include a review of someone’s current medications, risk factor reduction and safety modifications to their home, education, and the introduction of an exercise program. Tai Chi, a martial art that uses slow movements, has been proven to reduce the risk of falling for many seniors. The movements and philosophy of Tai Chi teach people to relax, slow down, coordinate their mind and body, and improve posture. Studies published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that Tai Chi benefits cardiorespiratory function and that increased strength and balance can help prevent falls. The strength and balance that Tai Chi and other exercises build also boost self-confidence. All of these factors combine to make seniors feel stronger and more confident as they move. The key to success with any of these fall prevention techniques is that older adults must take an active role in making these changes to their lives. For those individuals who have been injured from a fall, psychological counseling immediately after an injury may be one of the best remedies to avoid depression. But that can be difficult for a patient who has never needed any. If you are interested in learning more about Tai Chi,
check local community centers or health clubs for classes, or check out
instructional videos from your video rental store. As always, check with your
physician before beginning any new exercise program. |
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