ABCs of Fall Prevention
The ABCs of Fall Prevention
The beach cities have more than 12,000 older adults and counting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every three adults 65 years old and older will fall each year. One-half of those who fall will fall again within six months.
These troubling statistics led Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) and the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department to create the ABC (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) Fall Prevention class for older adults in the beach cities community.
Research has proven that progressive exercise programs like ABC Fall Prevention can help improve strength, coordination and neuromuscular programs, increasing mobility and functional movement patterns. This program also addresses important environmental concerns, such as proper footwear and potential hazards in the home.
Each participant completes the following pre- and post-tests for dynamic balance, functional mobility and lower body strength and power:
- Functional Reach: assesses dynamic balance, which is balance under unstable conditions, like stepping off a curb or getting onto an escalator.
- 8-Foot Up-and-Go: assesses functional mobility and dynamic balance, which are important for recovering after tripping, maneuvering in a crowd, walking across the street in time to make the light, and other recreational activities.
- 30-Second Chair Stand: assesses lower body functional strength and power, needed to climb stairs, walk distances, and get out of a bath tub, chair, etc.
- Single Leg Stance: assesses strong balance skills. Older adults who are able to stand on one foot for at least five seconds are less likely to fall.
These assessments are non-clinical, evidence-based approaches to identifying the risks for falling. They are easy to implement, require minimal equipment and can be administered individually or in a group setting. The results help staff identify areas to work on and which exercises can best help each participant improve their fitness levels.
This program is offered at both the Center for Health and Fitness in Redondo Beach, and the Joslyn Center in Manhattan Beach, to anyone over the age of 50. Classes include both lectures and exercises, with a focus on strengthening the muscles that correspond to posture and balance.
If you or a loved one is over the age of 50, please consider the ABC Fall Prevention for improved strength, balance, agility, and coordination. It’s one of the best ways to maintain health and independence and will keep you feeling good every day.
