October 15, 2019 —Falls pose a particular risk for older adults, one in three of whom falls each year. Most concerning is the fact that one in five of these falls results in a serious injury. With this in mind, you might want to assess your risk of falling, especially if you have already experienced a fall or two. If so, you should know that a simple test known as the “chair stand” is the strongest predictor of future falls. To perform this test, you need only sit in a straight-backed chair and rise to a standing position without using your arms. Taking longer than 16.7 seconds to complete five chair stands is an indication that you are at increased risk of falls.
Chronic joint pain, particularly in the neck and back, can increase one’s risk of falling by hampering their mobility and/or compromising their balance. At Barclay Friends, we realize how important it is for older adults to maintain their strength in order to avoid unnecessary falls. We provide individualized activity and therapy options – including daily exercise and chair yoga – to help older adults function as safely as possible.
With Faith Woodward, Director of Admissions and Marketing