The importance of balance and mobility for independent living
On Friday, Oct. 25, Ashlyn Hairston from Cardinal Motion will talk about the importance of balance and mobility in older adults, especially those living independently.
The event is in Optum HCC Conference Room, from 3-4 p.m., and is held twice a month on Fridays. The group will meet again on Nov. 8 and 22, Dec. 6 and 20, Jan. 10 and 24, and Feb. 7 and 21. Everyone is welcome. No reservation required.
Statistics show that falls are the leading cause of injury or death in older adults. Almost 57% of people over the age of 65 have experienced fall resulting in TBI (traumatic brain injury) or hospitalization.
Among older adults, 37% of falls require medical treatment, and many of those cases lead to hospitalization or death. In the last decade, the fall rate among seniors increased by 41%.
“While many factors such as core and muscular strength, joint mobility, breath control and poor posture may affect the balance, the biggest one is people’s shoes,” said Hairston. During her balance and stability workshop, she added that consistently wearing shoes, whether properly fitting or not, hinders the full engagement of the muscles needed for balance development.
Balance may also limit social engagement. Many older adults restrict their activities due to lack of balance. Balance is imperative for people’s physical and social health and longevity, and can be developed through balance exercises and controlling the breath.
For more information, contact GRF Member Resources Liaison Robann Arshat at 562431-6586, ext. 2317.
—Ashlyn Hairston
