Last Friday was the American Physical Therapy Association convention in Tennessee. One of the activities they did was a toll free hotline with fall information. I called to discuss a few things with a charming young therapist named Ms. Davenport. Some of the suggestions she offers include an evaluation by a PT for balance and gait. There were a few exercises she described that show problems that are likely to lead to falls for seniors. Doing things that challenge your balance so that your nervous system has to keep fit to keep you upright is the key. When she found out I was calling from sunny southern California she brought up walking on the beach, sand making it harder to walk automatically.
I asked her specifically about a story from that day’s news on the Wii. If you remember a few weeks back I noted a commercial on TV with some seniors bowling together in virtual reality. Well, even though it’s not marketed for rehab, the Wii is enjoying huge success with occupational and other therapies for stroke, paralysis and other conditions. The physical therapy association isn’t endorsing it specifically but Ms. Davenport did encourage using any game that reduced the boredom of exercise, and increases strength, coordination and endurance.
I decided a trial of Wii Sports was in order. There are several games on this program; boxing, tennis, bowling and golf are each played with a few light handles in front of a TV screen that senses your hand motion. Not only can you work up a good sweat playing the games, they are entertaining enough to make you want to go back the next day. Since I’ve reached the bottom, here’s the bottom line: Do some exercise, it’s better if you enjoy doing it.