The law of gravity can be cruel, especially to older adults – no exceptions allowed, no exemptions permitted and no reprieve for violators. As people age, the prospects of succumbing to gravity and falling increase. In fact, researchers say more than a third of people 65 or older each year will fall due in part because of balance problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falling once doubles your chance of falling again. Here are some facts about falling:

• One of five falls causes serious injuries.
• Every year, 2.5 million older Americans are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from falls.
• More than 700,000 people are hospitalized following falls, mostly from head injuries or hip fractures (250,000).
• Most hip fractures are caused by falling sideways.
• The most common cause of traumatic brain injuries is from falls.
• The total medical cost of injuries from falls is $34 billion.

We at Golden Ocala & Equestrian Club’s Fitness Center can help with specialized training programs to suit your needs. Strength training can help prevent falling and build strong, sturdy physiques. Balance exercises are especially helpful by improving how the body moves. Specific exercises can target the brain’s balance centers to better offset the sense of gravity shifts.

Exercises may include standing on one foot, walking heel to toe, back leg raises and side raises. Falls are most commonly caused by weak leg muscles, vision problems, low blood pressure or depression.

The trainers at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club’s Fitness Center can get you started on your own exercise program that will keep you motivated and excited. Signing up for a series of workouts will help you develop a disciplined pattern of fitness habits for a lifetime.

Stop by the Fitness Center today to learn more about how you can achieve better balance.