Senior citizens can take these tips to keep from falling
If you are older, you should be more cautious while walking. If a mat trips you up, get rid of it.
Falling is one of the main causes of injury among the elderly, and there are a few easy ways to prevent this.
South African Seniors Fitness Association (Sasfa) chairperson and national trainer Iona Henning was speaking to residents at Olivedale Library when she gave some tips for people prone to falling, but which she said everyone should keep in mind.
This was during a Friends of Olivedale Library (Fools) speaker’s morning event.
“There are a few reasons why we fall and one of them is medication,” she said.
“Some of the meds we are on make us not all there so we need to be aware of how we are walking. Another reason is not living in the moment.”
Henning explained that when people are younger, and have not lost balance, power and concentration that comes with age, it is easy to walk in one direction, look in another, and think of complicated things at the same time.
But with age, comes loss of bone density, balance and concentration.
“When you are sitting you can think of the past or the future. But when you are walking think of the path you need to walk. You don’t have to stare at the the ground closely, but be aware of the grass, stones, bricks and mats. If a mat keeps tripping you up, get rid of it.”
While walking, one should pay attention to where they are putting their feet, she said. Often while walking someone will grab your attention and you may feel the need to turn your attention to them, while stepping on a path you have not looked at yet, which is dangerous.
Details: South African Seniors Fitness Association iona@seniorfitness.co.za; 083 302 5631; Friends of Olivedale Library 082 567 9739.
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