Did you know that 1/3 of Americans 65 and older fall each year? An update was made this week to geriatric guidelines that reccomended doing exercises to improve strength and balance as well as eliminating unnecessary medications. These two items have been found to be the top ways to prevent falls among older people. The guideline updates are the first in over a decade to be made to help increase the life and livelihood of older generations.
Exercises are encouraged that help work on balance, gait and strength training. This can include anything from physical therapy to yoga or tai chi. Researchers have also found that walking every day can play a huge role on overall health and stability. The reccomendation to reduced medications is a tricky one, however it is asked that doctors consider eliminating drugs that may cause drowsiness, or have effects on the brain (such as sleeping pills and antidepersents).
To read more about falling and the new recommendations, go to MSNBC.com.