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Landmark Village residents engaged in falls prevention discussion
VON representatives stress the importance of exercise and keeping active
7/26/2024
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Deron Hamel
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Landmark Village residents were recently engaged in a discussion with representatives from the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) that provided tips on how to prevent falls and maintain a high quality of life.
And, by far, the factor that representatives Marilyn, Diane and Beryl focused on most was the importance of exercise in maintaining strength and balance, says Brent Hart, the Sarnia senior living community's fun co-ordinator.
“The falls prevention talk is something we have here each year, as it is a very important topic since a fall can affect so many things in a senior's life,” Brent tells S&R Today.
“(Marilyn, Diane and Beryl) talked about the many programs the VON has to offer, how exercise and staying active keeps you strong and helps in preventing falls, (and) the role tripping hazards and medications can play in falls.”
The VON representatives also shared with residents exercises that help maintain balance and ensure good posture, Brent adds.
According to the Government of Canada, falls are the No. 1 cause of injury for senior Canadians, with 85 per cent of injury-related hospitalizations for senior citizens caused by falls.
The government also estimates that between 20 per cent and 30 per cent of Canadian seniors will sustain one or more falls each year.
In an effort to keep residents active and strong, VON staff members visit Landmark Village every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to lead residents in exercise classes.
Brent says the falls prevention discussion attracted many residents, and their interest in taking a proactive approach to their well-being is encouraging.
“It was very well attended,” he says. “A fall can disrupt a senior's life very drastically, making prevention very important.”
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