052 – Maintaining Mobility & Preventing Falls in Aging: Myths & Truths

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with Tiffany Shubert, PT PhD, a practicing physical therapist and a leading expert on exercise for fall prevention. They discuss the best ways to maintain mobility and prevent falls in aging, including:

• Why walking is often not enough, when it comes to fall prevention
• Why strong legs and good balance are crucial, and which exercises help develop this
• How much exercise older adults should aim to do every week
• How to figure out if an older person is tired due to doing too much versus not enough
• The truths about chair exercises
• The truth about water exercises
• Whether canes prevent falls, and how they can be helpful
• What to know about canes and walkers in dementia
• How to find a high-quality exercise program that will build strength in aging
• When trekking poles can be a good option to support safer mobility
• What to know about yoga for fall prevention, and why tai chi might be a better choice

Related episode: 

005 – Interview: Otago & Proven Exercises for Fall Prevention

Related Resources:

• Videos Illustrating Otago Exercises for Fall Prevention
• Seismic (formerly Superflex)
• Choosing the Right Cane or Walker
• National Council on Aging (NCOA): Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Programs
• Go 4 Life Exercise Videos (from the National Institute on Aging at NIH)