Falls with resultant injuries are the unheralded assassins of older adults. In 2007, falls occurred in approximately 40 cases per 100,000 adults, with their frequency rising in every decade after middle age. If complicated by fractures, a downward spiral can result, including instability leading to further falls, non-healing wounds, deep vein thromboses with potential pulmonary emboli, disuse osteoporosis and head trauma.
But falls don’t “just happen” and people don’t fall merely because they get older. Contributory risk factors include muscle (particularly leg) weakness, impairment of balance and gait, a fall in blood pressure when one stands up, unsafe footwear, vision problems and excessive medications.
Carolyn Cole is a corrective exercise fitness trainer, certified by the National Association of Sports Medicine, who focuses on improving alignment and balance, strengthen muscles pre and post-surgery, and helping to decrease symptoms associated with movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. One of her goals is safety and fall prevention through improved balance and home safety. She has also worked as a sports trainer, particularly in hockey.
Cole earned her Master’s Degree in Social Science Work- Columbia University, her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications- University of Denver, and was a graduate of Darien High School.
The Greenwich Retired Men’s Association offers a free program every Wednesday that is open to the public, both men and women; no reservations are required. Our social break starts at 10:40am followed promptly by our speaker at 11:00am.
Carolyn Cole will speak at 11:00 on May 11. Programs are at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 West Putnam in Greenwich. For additional information see www.greenwichrma.org or contact [email protected]
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