Falls Prevention
One of the goals of Osteofit is to prevent falls. Falls are an important cause of serious fracture. Fall-related fractures can also occur among those with normal bone mass, so the problem is not restricted to those with osteoporosis.
Approximately 30% of individuals over 65 years of age fall at least once per year and about half of these may do so recurrently. Non-fatal falls may result in individuals considerably reducing their activity for fear of future falls and almost half of fallers are unable to get up without help. Regular strength and balance training prevents falls and it likely prevents fall-related fractures in older adults.
Age-related changes in muscle and bone also predispose people to both falls and fractures. Muscle strength and mass decline 30-50% between the ages of 30 and 80. Falls are reduced more as a result of balance, resistance, and flexibility training than as a result of endurance training.
- Exercise can modify some fall risk factors and thus reduce falls in older adults
- A physically active lifestyle is associated with a reduced risk of osteoporotic fracture.
