“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”
Maybe grandma wouldn’t have to utter these words if she made sure she got a little exercise. According to new research, exercise may help the elderly stay steady on their feet, which could save them from falls that result in injury. This is especially important for those really advanced in age, because how often have you heard of an older person breaking a hip and passing away because of complications in surgery?
In an analysis of 34 clinical trials, researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland found that supervised exercise regimens generally helped improve balance and coordination. Various forms of exercise seemed effective, but strength training and the exercises targeting balance, coordination and walking ability showed the strongest effects.
The participants in the studies were over 75 years on average.
