Sallie Thoreson Colorado Department of Public Health and - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Sallie Thoreson Colorado Department

• f Public Health and

Environment

20 40 60 80 100 120 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Rate per 100,000 Year _______ CoHID, 2000-2013

588 588 de deat aths

8,229 hospit itali alizat atio ions 18,90 900 E 0 Emergen gency cy

• Dept. visit

visits

 1 of 3 people 65+ fall every year.  1 of 5 falls causes a serious injury.  The average hospital stay is

• ver $30,000.

• 29-77% of

community dwellers

• Can lead to spiraling

effects

• Lack of confidence
• Limited physical activity
• Functional decline

Year 2000 12% 65+

Year 2050 20% 65+

Public Health Community Recreation facilities

Fall Prevention

 Aerobic  Muscle strengthening  Flexibility  Older adults need all four.

• tailored to address the

changes of aging

 Balance needs to

• Reduce the base of

support

• Move the center of gravity
• Reduce need for upper

body support

 Gait training means

you have to be moving

 You can start out with

seated exercises

 We’ve got to get them

• ut of their chairs!

Exercise as a single intervention

is an effective approach

Include muscle strengthening

and balance retraining

Programs should include:

• Ch

Challenge to to ba balance

• 50+

+ hours rs

• On

On-goin ing

Funders require it Agencies want proven results Implementers like “packaged” programs Older adults want programs that work Health insurers require proof



Group exercise program



Focused on increasing functional ability (balance and physical function)



One hour classes delivered by an instructor



Standard program: 24 hrs over 12 weeks + homework



Ideal class size 15



For older adults aged 60 and older, who can walk easily with or without assistive devices



Evidence: 55% reduction of fall risk



Similar program is Tai Chi for Arthritis

 Main o

• utc

tcom

• mes
• Decreased falls
• Postural control
• Balance confidence
• Muscle strength
• Flexibility
• Decreased fear of falling

 Im

Improved p physi ysical f functions

• Increased knee flexion
• Ankle and knee joint strength
• Improved gait speed and

stride length

• Ability to modify gait in

response to changing demands

 Additi

tion

• nal o
• utc

tcom

• mes
• Increased arterial flexibility
• Focused mental concentration
• Improved cognitive

functioning

• Improved sleep quality
• Pain relief
• Stress reduction
• Lowered blood pressure
• Improved feeling of well-

being and quality of life



Group class addressing all aspects of falls prevention



Exercise and progression of exercise is key



Seven weekly 2-hour program sessions



Led by healthcare professional or professionals within aging services



Includes experts that are guest presenters

(PT, OT, nurse, pharmacist, low vision expert, fireman/police officer)



Evidence: 30% reduction in falls



Similar program is Matter of Balance

Local park and rec departments can help!

 At the end of Tai Chi

classes, the older adults want to know:

• Can I take this class

again?

• What other classes can I

take now?

 At the end of Stepping

On/Matter of Balance classes, older adults want to know:

• What exercise classes can

I take now?

• Where can I go to

exercise?

Health Department Parks and Recreation

 Provide training in

evidence-based fall prevention programs

 Provide guidelines for

implementation

 Train staff and contract

employees

 Offer evidence-based

fall prevention programs To Toget ether er

• Partner to provide marketing
• Publish information on available programs
• Participate in data collection and evaluation
• Offer classes in new locations