Last
Sunday night, the 16th, I went to the theatre – live and in person,
not motion pictures. It was a small
theatre, under 99 seats. The evening was
devoted to the singing of…well his name isn’t really relevant only to say he is
very popular with those of us in a certain
age group. You know the group. If you go to the legitimate theatre and stand
either in the balcony or in the back row, you’ll notice most of us making the
entire room look like a box of Q-Tips.
All the heads are white and fuzzy.
Intermission
came. All but two people in the audience
needed rest rooms. I watched my fellow
theatre goers grab hold of one seat arm and the back of the seat in front of them so they could begin
the pulling struggle to their feet. Some
switched their grip, others asked for assistance from the somewhat more abled
bodied person sitting next to them. I
swore quietly under my breath that I would simply rise and I did. The fitness class work I’m doing under the
guidance of Los Angeles Turners’ Fitness and Health Director, Mesfin Felleke,
paid off. I know that my not being done
with living has something to do with my determination. I know that aiding in the rejuvenation of
Turners here, there and everywhere helps keep my enthusiasm for fitness high. But I also know that having someone encourage
me makes a whopping difference. Hmmm,
sounds like Turnerism to me!
This
coming Saturday, September 22, 2012, is officially National Falls Prevention
Awareness Day. What has this got to do
with listening to a lounge singer and Q-Tips?
Lots. If those of us in that
certain age group actually wait until we fall to start doing something for
ourselves, we’ve lost. If we live by
those 10 wrong, but easy to swallow rules about falling – we’ve fallen for
sure. And I don't mean "falling in love again" as the singer intoned.
OK, think about this:
1.
Falling
won’t happen to me – I’m careful. The truth is that 1 in 3 older adults—about 12 million—fall every year in
the U.S.
2.
Falling is something normal that happens as you get
older. Wrong again and wrong big-time.Falling is not a normal part of aging. Do some strength and balance exercises, manage
your medications, have your vision checked and make your living environment
safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.
3.
If I limit my activity, I won't fall. The reality is that performing physical activities will actually help
you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from
remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.
4.
As
long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.
Not true. Over half of all falls
take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious
hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home
modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on
stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.
5.
Muscle
strength and flexibility can't be regained.
Again, not true. While we do lose
muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s
never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you've been a "couch
potato" your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many
ways—including protection from falls.
Visit americanturnertalk.blogspot.com to read 5 more rules about getting older and keeping fit. Remember that keeping the body sound will
help keep your mind sound too.
