Physical Activity and Fall Prevention in Older Adults, an Educational Intervention

Knight, Caleb Daniel

Item

Physical Activity and Fall Prevention in Older Adults, an Educational Intervention

Knight, Caleb Daniel

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

Falls in adults over 65 years of age constitute a significant health burden in our country, and this age group is growing rapidly. Falls are addressed with a multifactorial approach, addressing comorbidities, medications, and the physical environment, however, an effective point of intervention accessible by most older adults is physical activity. A brief educational presentation about the morbidity and mortality associated with falls, and the protective effects of physical activity, was provided to Meadowbrook Healthcare subacute nursing home residents in Plattsburgh, NY. Questions were encouraged and answered afterwards, and copies of the presentation were left for the residents to review in hopes of increasing motivation to participate in the Meadowbrook Healthcare rehabilitative classes and exercises.