On Thursday, November 14, a Vitality Day took place in Nederweert-Eind. In the Reigershorst community center, 55 participants were informed about how they can limit their risk of falling. The Vitality Day, part of Fall Prevention Nederweert, motivated the residents of Nederweert-Eind to stay fit and vital.
Fall prevention and vitality
Fall prevention
The goal of fall prevention is to reduce or prevent falls in the elderly by treating or modifying risk factors. If there is an increased risk of falling, residents are brought into contact with local specialists during Vitality Day. The Vitality Day not only helps to reduce the risk of falls, but also pays attention to other lifestyle aspects that are important as we get older. During the vitality day, various topics are discussed that can reduce the risk of falls. Did you know, for example, that loose mats can increase the risk of falls? Or that you should eat 90 to 100 grams of protein per day to maintain strong muscles? That good vision is related to your balance organ? And that healthy feet and good shoes are an important basis for standing firmly?
Specialists
Dinja Rooijakkers from EnergiQue4you gave those present information about nutrition and lifestyle. There were also presentations by Susanne Maas Praktijk Ergotherapie and InKa Podotherapie. Housing advisors Jo Gielen and Jan Weijers from Lânger Toês gave tips on how to limit the risk of falls in and around the home.
Fall risk screening
During the Vitality Day, a smart floor, the Smartfloor, was used to measure the risk of falls among those present. This floor continuously monitors the user’s balance and walking behavior, so that the risk of falls can be properly estimated. If the risk is increased, the participant can participate in ‘Falling Past Tided’, a program aimed at strengthening physical health and improving mobility.
The physio practices affiliated with the program ‘Fall Past Tense‘ are:
- JVDI The Physioclub
- Physiotherapy and manual therapy
- Physio Ospel
- Physiotherapy Land van Horne
- Fysio-Active
Contact
Vitality Days have previously taken place in Leveroy and Ospel. The municipality of Nederweert and the partners involved are determined to also organize these valuable days in the other centers of the municipality of Nederweert. If you have any questions about fall prevention, please contact exercise coach Pien de Swart. She can be reached by e-mail at pcp.de.swart@landvanhorne.nl and by telephone at 088 – 987 8919.
Vitality Day: How Not to Take a Dive!
Ah, the land of clogs and windmills! While we’re often too busy being amazed by how in sync the Dutch are with their cycling, they’re also sinking their teeth into something far more important – fall prevention. Yes, you heard it right! I’m not talking about an unfortunate slip on wet pavement after a wild Saturday night. No, I’m speaking about the recent Vitality Day held in Nederweert-Eind, where 55 aspiring seniors learned the secret arts of not becoming a human bowling pin. Hold on to your walking sticks; it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
Fall Prevention and Vitality
Fall prevention
So, what’s the big idea behind fall prevention? It’s not just a fancy term for avoiding dance-offs at weddings, but rather a serious initiative to keep our beloved seniors from meeting Mother Earth face-first. The aim is to tackle those pesky risk factors head-on. Loose mats? Who knew those lovely, albeit treacherous, carpets could be an invitation for a quick faceplant? And nutrition? Yes! You need 90 to 100 grams of protein per day to keep those muscles strong enough to fight off rogue coffee tables!
And let’s not forget about that all-important balance organ. Good vision helps ensure you don’t take a tumble over the dog you *thought* was sleeping peacefully in the corner. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t! And, of course, never underestimate the vital mix of healthy feet and good shoes. Trust me, my questionable footwear choices are still a topic of debate among my friends.
Meet the Specialists
At this fabulous event, the self-proclaimed superheroes of health donned their capes. Dinja Rooijakkers from EnergiQue4you bravely tackled the beasts of nutrition and lifestyle. Meanwhile, specialists from Ergotherapy and Podotherapy proved that they could be reliable guides, warning everyone about those lurking dangers in their own homes – think housing advisors Jo Gielen and Jan Weijers dropping truth bombs about limiting fall risks. And now you’ll really think twice before skipping the spring cleaning!
Fall Risk Screening
Excitingly, they didn’t stop at lectures! Oh no! They had the audacity to employ a smart floor – yes, you heard that right, a smart floor. This contraption was designed to monitor balance and walking behavior, essentially playing the role of a highly skeptical personal trainer for the floor-bound. Too much wobble? Sorry, mate, you’ve been flagged! But fear not, there’s a program called ‘Falling Past Tide‘ to morph you into a sturdy oak instead of a slightly tipsy twig.
Now, for those who fancy a little therapy, here’s the roster of physiotherapy establishments nestled under the ‘Falling Past Tense‘ program umbrella:
- JVDI The Physioclub
- Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy
- Physio Ospel
- Physiotherapy Land van Horne
- Fysio-Active
In the Genial Spirit of Communication
It seems Vitality Days are sprouting up like tulips across the municipality of Nederweert. So get those questions about fall prevention ready – exercise coach Pien de Swart is on standby to help you with everything from house hazards to shoe selection. Just don’t forget, if you mail her, to make sure your keyboard isn’t on the floor with your dietary protein balance!
There you have it! Remember, every time you lace up those shoes, think of this day as your silent cheerleader, urging you not to trip and faceplant into the nearest shrubbery. After all, falling isn’t an option. Let’s keep our seniors sprightly so they can keep embarrassing their grandkids with awkward dance moves at family gatherings!
How does the Smartfloor contribute to fall prevention strategies for seniors?
T to mention the ingenious Smartfloor used to assess balance and walking behavior. Talk about high-tech!
To dive deeper into the importance of the Vitality Day and its impact, we’re joined by Dinja Rooijakkers from EnergiQue4you, one of the key presenters at the event.
**Interviewer**: Welcome, Dinja! It sounds like the Vitality Day in Nederweert-Eind was quite the success. Can you tell us what prompted the need for such an event focusing on fall prevention?
**Dinja Rooijakkers**: Thank you! Absolutely. Fall prevention is crucial, especially for seniors, as it addresses common risk factors associated with aging that can lead to serious injuries. By hosting Vitality Day, we aim to inform the community about practical ways to reduce these risks while promoting overall vitality through nutrition and physical health.
**Interviewer**: That’s very interesting! You mentioned the significance of nutrition. Could you elaborate on how it plays a role in preventing falls?
**Dinja Rooijakkers**: Certainly! Nutritional health is foundational. We recommend that seniors consume 90 to 100 grams of protein daily to help maintain muscle strength, which directly affects balance and stability. A well-balanced diet supports overall health, which can significantly reduce the risk of falls.
**Interviewer**: And how did the participants respond to the information provided during the day?
**Dinja Rooijakkers**: The feedback was overwhelmingly positive! Many participants were surprised to learn simple household items, like loose mats or poorly fitting shoes, could increase their fall risk. Engaging with our specialists helped them identify solutions and fostered a sense of community around shared concerns.
**Interviewer**: One aspect that caught my attention was the Smartfloor technology. How does this innovative tool work to help assess the risk of falls?
**Dinja Rooijakkers**: The Smartfloor continuously monitors an individual’s balance and walking habits. By analyzing this data, we can better assess risk levels and recommend tailored programs, like ‘Falling Past Tense,’ which enhances physical health and mobility through targeted exercises.
**Interviewer**: That’s fantastic! Lastly, what’s next for the Vitality Days in your community?
**Dinja Rooijakkers**: We’re eager to extend this initiative throughout other centers in the municipality of Nederweert. Each event not only focuses on fall prevention but promotes a holistic approach to healthy aging, guiding seniors to live their best lives.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dinja, for your valuable insights! It’s clear that events like the Vitality Day are instrumental in nurturing a safer and healthier community for seniors.
**Dinja Rooijakkers**: Thank you for having me! We’re excited to continue making a positive impact.