Falls are a major source of injury and death in elderly people. Approximately 30% of individuals over 65 years of age fall at least once per year and about ½ fall recurrently. Over 90% of hip fractures are from falls. In 20% of females this fracture is fatal with 20% never regaining the ability to walk without assistance. The current total cost of hip fractures in the US is estimated to be approximately 20 billion annually.

Prevention is the key component of any program designed to reduce the problems associated with hip fracture. Medical research has proven that specific exercise programs are a useful tool in the prevention of falls in older adults. Using this up-to-date information, Dryden Sport and Spine has developed an impairment-based preventative program to combat falls and improve overall fitness. Functional and standardized tests are used to identify these impairments and include: TUG, gait speed, functional reach, sit to stand, and the Berg balance test.

In response to this need locally, Dryden Sport and Spine PT has developed 2 group exercise programs entitled “Ageless Agility” and "Ageless Fitness" that include both exercise and education to assist in the prevention of falls. Our program assists in the remediation of identified impairments in the areas of strength, coordination, balance (static and dynamic), reaction time, and muscle mass. These impairments are identified individually in class participants through the battery of functional tests performed in the class.

Ageless Fitness is geared toward seniors and people who may be recovering from an injury or surgery and who are looking to maintain a higher level of fitness.

Both of these classes are held at our Dryden office two days per week for one hour. The next session of Ageless Agility will be offered Monday and Wednesday, Noon to 1 pm, beginning September 13, 2010.  Ageless Fitness will be Tuesday and Thursday, 1 to 2 pm beginning September 14, 2010.   Cost is $70.00 for 10 weeks. Receive a 10% discount by registering on or before September 7, 2010.  Participants taking this class for the first time must complete the medical clearance form and the informed consent form along with the registration. Returning participants need to sign the informed consent form along with the registration form. 

Register by calling 607-844-5653, stopping by 15 Ellis Drive in Dryden or mailing in a registration form.  Forms can be downloaded from this website.  VISA and MASTERCARD accepted.