Daily Exercise Can Help Prevent Falling
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Have you heard of the Blue Zones? Researchers have discovered places worldwide with many more centenarians than you’d expect. These folks who live to be age 100 or older have much in common, whether in Europe or the U.S., on an island in East Asia, or in the tropics of Central America. They share a sense of purpose, good nutrition, a group of friends and family they can count on for support and fun, and daily exercise.
Exercise helps you live longer by preventing dangerous falls
People in the Blue Zones walk everywhere. They maintain gardens, squatting much of the day. They volunteer to provide supplies to the needy, often lifting heavy boxes. They dance with their friends. Such daily exercise keeps these centenarians healthy and fit, with strong legs and a firm core.
As we age, strong muscles become vital for maintaining foot stability. Being fit allows us to “catch” ourselves when we lose our balance and can prevent falling.
When the elderly fall, it’s almost always bad news
One out of every five falls results in serious injury. In 2021, almost 45,000 seniors died following a fall. Since September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, we at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center want to offer our elderly patients three ways to live a long, healthy life free from falls:
Exercise: Keep yourself fit with daily walking, gardening, or tennis. Swim laps or take a Tai-chi class at a local Monmouth County YMCA or senior center.
Fix your feet: Your feet are your foundation. Any problems with your feet or ankles can make you less stable, prone to falling, and unable or unwilling to exercise. We can help you stick to your exercise plan and decrease your fall risk when you allow us to treat numbness, flat feet, or heel pain.
Improve your footwear: Wear shoes that are appropriate for your chosen form of exercise. Replace shoes with worn-down treads or visible rips. Get rid of shoes that are too tight or loose or no longer provide cushioning or support.
Take it from the centenarians in the Blue Zones and from our board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, and Dr. Joseph Saka: you can improve your balance and prevent dangerous falls with daily exercise, wearing shoes that fit your healthy feet properly.
For feet that need fixing, make an appointment at our Howell or Jackson podiatry offices online or call (732) 905-1110.