Don't Forget: Get strong, Fix Your Balance Issues

October 22, 2022 2 min read 3 Comments

Barb DeAngelis improved her every day life with some lifting and then turned into a champion in her 70s. The stats on falls and their scary aftermath would go down if we were stronger on our feet.

The data is scary on older people who fall
Lifting and getting stronger help with balance
Read this story linked below on The Invisible Woman

By Ray Glier

I can't help it. I worry about us.

I was reminded of the scary data on people over 70 who fall. If the fall is severe enough, they lose their independence. Then they wither.

And then they are gone.

The brutality of falls came up in a casual conversation last weekend. A friend, who is much younger, said she wants to go on a mission to help older women strut into the gym and lift. She knows the scary data, too.

From WebMd, by way of the CDC here in Atlanta:

Nearly 25,000 people 75 and older died as a result of falls in 2016 -- almost three times as many as in 2000. And experts warn that the toll is likely to rise along with population shifts.

"As the United States population continues to age, we can expect more deaths from falls," said researcher Robin Lee, an epidemiologist at the Injury Center of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We can also expect more hospitalizations and nursing home admissions as a result of falls."

Here is a replay of a story I did on Barb DeAngelis, who understands the benefits of lifting.

Call me a nag, but this isn't the last time I write about this.

3 Responses

Mike Lavigna

October 25, 2022

Amen Barb, amen!!!

Ray

October 22, 2022

Thank you, Barb. I knew I could count on you to add some juice to this data. Spread the word, be a force for change.

BarbDeAngelis

October 22, 2022

Thanks for continuing to encourage older people to get stronger. Even the New York Times is featuring articles frequently about the benefits of lifting weight and strength training in general. I’m still at it, in spite of cranky joints, still improving my records, and hoping other old ladies will get involved. People can do a simple self test: if they can’t step into their underwear while standing they would benefit from Balance work. If they can’t get out of a chair or off the toilet without using their arms, they would benefit from strength training. Stronger muscles support better balance and better balance prevents falls. We can fight off the negative cascade of weakness, falls, and injuries with death resulting. A week ago I hiked a local mountain—22,000 steps! My joints hated me for several days but my muscles loved it. And I loved knowing I could still do it at 78! Keep it up Ray!