Fitness program with a purpose
The statistics are startling. According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, it is estimated that more than one-third of individuals over the age of 65 will fall at least once each year, and Idaho’s fall rate is almost twice the national rate.
“Falling when you are 5 years old is no big deal, but falling when you’re age 65 may become a very big deal,” says Joanna Adams, supervisor in the Division of Health Promotion at Panhandle Health District.
Adams says falls are a major cause of hip fractures, and half of those with hip fractures may never regain their previous level of mobility. Many seniors who fall risk losing the capacity to function independently for the rest of their lives.
Because of this, Panhandle Health District initiated a group physical activity program designed for older adults who want to improve their health and reduce their risk of falling. Its name is Fit and Fall Proof, and Marian Owsley is one of the volunteer instructors.
“When I was organizing the first training for class leaders, I spoke with Marian’s son, Dr. Mark Owsley,” Adams recalls. “I told him that I could not get in touch with Marian. He informed me that she was interested but that she was currently riding her bicycle in New Zealand.”
Owsley comes from a teaching background, works out at a local gym, has always taken aerobic classes and is an avid bicyclist. She has participated in several challenging bicycle tours, including one last year on a southern island of New Zealand.
“We averaged 40 hilly miles per day, and I got to climb a glacier,” Owsley says.
The theme of Fit and Fall Proof is primary functional fitness, and the program is designed to help older adults maintain an independent, freely functioning lifestyle.
Class instruction follows a standardized curriculum emphasizing improved balance and strength for participants to reduce their risk of falling and also concentrates on correct posture and flexibility.
Owsley says maintaining regular muscular strength transfers into maintaining vitality, like lifting a grandchild for a hug, getting out of a chair with ease, or climbing stairs without puffing. Adequate flexibility allows the older adult to bend over and tie shoes or reach an item on a top shelf without hesitation.
Owsley averages 10 to 20 participants in her classes at the Coeur d’Alene First Christian Church, which donates the space.
Owsley teaches Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m. and Fridays from 10-11 a.m. The classes are low-cost or free to seniors. Although it is primarily for those 65 and older, it is not exclusive. There are several mother-daughter duos who attend regularly.
As program director, Adams is required to monitor classes periodically and loves to visit Owsley’s classes.
“I love to go to Marian’s class because they’re all having such a good time and they care about each other like family. Most are 60 years of age or older, but they look and act much younger.”
Class participant Katie Osborne says her functional fitness has increased and her fear of falling has decreased because of the class.
“It’s marvelous. I am steadier on my feet and more confident,” says Osborne. “Confidence has replaced fear.”
Panhandle Health District says the likelihood of falling can be predicted if an individual is over 65; is on medication, particularly if more than four medications are taken daily; has problems with balance and/or difficulty getting in and out of the tub; has problems with strength or sensation in the legs and feet; or has had a slip, trip or fall in the last 12 months.
“The good news is that the risk of falling can be decreased by regular physical activity and by senior-proofing the home,” says Adams.
She suggests removing throw rugs and electric cords that lie across a path through the home; removing items placed on the stairways; installing grab bars and hand rails for stability and support; and providing good lighting throughout the home.
“Changing the Idaho fall statistics for yourself or senior loved one means taking a realistic look at what you can do, and then committing yourself to doing it,” says Adams.