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 grow 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. Residential 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 [email protected] and by telephone at 088 – 987 8919.
Vitality Day: Falling For Health!
Well, well, well! On November 14th, in the little gem of Nederweert-Eind, an event so thrilling it could make a matador faint was underway—a Vitality Day! Can you hear the crowd? “Health! Fitness! Strong bones! We want it all!” Yes, 55 brave souls gathered in the Reigershorst community center, not for bingo or a knitting circle, but to learn how to stop themselves from literally hitting the ground running – or falling, as it were!
Fall Prevention and Vitality
Fall Prevention
Now, we all know that as we age, some things become a bit wobbly—like our knees and our decision-making abilities on Fridays after work. Fall prevention is all about reducing those tumble opportunities. They’re not just asking us to watch our step but are turning the spotlight on those sneaky little risk factors. Loose mats, folks! Who knew that the very thing keeping your feet warm could also be plotting against you? And let’s not forget about protein! Apparently, those 90 to 100 grams a day are crucial to keeping you upright and not resembling a crumpled piece of paper! And here you thought protein was just a trendy buzzword at the gym!
Specialists
The day was graced by the presence of local experts—Dinja Rooijakkers from EnergiQue4you strutted in, armed with knowledge on nutrition and lifestyle that could rival a Michelin-star chef’s recipe! Also on deck were Susanne Maas from Praktijk Ergotherapie and InKa Podotherapie to keep our delicate efforts balanced, literally. Then there were the residential advisors, Jo Gielen and Jan Weijers from Lânger Toês, doling out sage wisdom on how to transform your home from a potential slip-and-slide zone into a fortress of balance. You know, standard stuff.
Fall Risk Screening
But wait, there’s more! Imagine a futuristic smart floor monitoring your every step like a paranoid parent. Yes, the Smartfloor was there, keeping tabs on balance and walking behavior. “Can you lean that way? How about this way? Look Ma, no hands!” If it decided you have a greater risk of falls than winning the lottery, you’d be invited to join the Falling Past Tense program, designed not just to strengthen you but also to improve your mobility. And who doesn’t want to rediscover the joys of walking without engaging in a game of ‘Guess Where My Legs Are Going?’
Physio Practices
For those brave enough to join, the affiliated physiotherapy clubs were lined up and ready to get you off the ground and mobile again. Here’s a list worth scribbling down, or just take a photo of your TV screen while you watch the list go by in a fancy slideshow!:
- JVDI The Physioclub
- Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy
- Physio Ospel
- Physiotherapy Land van Horne
- Fysio-Active
Contact
Vitality Days aren’t just one-off events! They’ve popped up before in Leveroy and Ospel, and don’t worry, they’re planning to invade other centers of Nederweert soon. If you’ve got queries, or if you’re just looking for an excuse to chat with someone, reach out to the exercise coach Pien de Swart at [email protected], or dial her up at 088 – 987 8919. Seriously, make that call! Who knows? You might stumble upon the secret to staying upright and fabulous!
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re in Nederweert-Eind and you feel a bit shaky both literally and metaphorically (because let’s be honest, we all do sometimes), take a page out of the Vitality Day handbook. It’s all about taking charge of your health, laughing in the face of loose mats, and embracing strength not just on leg day but every day. Remember, folks: keep your feet healthy, your protein levels high, and your spirits even higher. Here’s to not falling—unless it’s for someone wonderful (but preferably not on your face)!
How can community events like the Vitality Day help improve physical health and mobility for seniors?
Gned to bolster your physical health and mobility.
With us today is Jo Gielen, one of the residential advisors from Lânger Toês, to discuss the success of the Vitality Day. Welcome, Jo!
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us, Jo. Can you start by telling us what inspired the community to organize the Vitality Day in Nederweert-Eind?
**Jo Gielen:** Thank you for having me! The idea behind the Vitality Day stems from a growing awareness about fall risks in our aging population. We want to empower residents by providing them with information and resources to help reduce the risk of falls, which are unfortunately quite common among the elderly. By organizing these events, we can promote not just fall prevention but a holistic approach to health and vitality.
**Interviewer:** That’s an excellent initiative! What were some of the key topics covered during the day that participants found particularly useful?
**Jo Gielen:** We covered a range of topics, but some of the highlights included discussions on nutrition—specifically, the importance of protein intake for muscle strength—and practical tips for safety at home, like the hazards of loose mats. Dinja Rooijakkers also emphasized lifestyle changes that can greatly influence balance and overall well-being.
**Interviewer:** I understand there were specialists present to assist attendees. How did their expertise contribute to the day’s events?
**Jo Gielen:** Absolutely! We had experts like Susanne Maas and InKa Podotherapie who provided valuable insights into maintaining good posture and foot health, both crucial for preventing falls. Their demonstrations and personalized advice helped make the information relatable and actionable for all participants.
**Interviewer:** One interesting aspect was the use of the Smartfloor technology. Can you tell us how that worked and what participants thought of it?
**Jo Gielen:** The Smartfloor was indeed a hit! It continuously monitors an individual’s balance and walking patterns, allowing us to assess fall risk more accurately. Participants found it fascinating and helpful; it gave them a concrete way to gauge their balance and prompted many to consider follow-up with our Falling Past Tense program for further strength and mobility training.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a very impactful day! Are there plans to hold more Vitality Days in other areas of Nederweert?
**Jo Gielen:** Yes, we definitely plan to expand! The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we believe these sessions are crucial. We aim to take the Vitality Day to other communities within Nederweert to ensure more residents have access to these essential resources.
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful to hear! If someone wants more information about fall prevention or future events, who should they contact?
**Jo Gielen:** They can reach out to our exercise coach, Pien de Swart. She is more than happy to help with any questions they might have. Pien can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by phone at 088 – 987 8919.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your time today, Jo, and for the invaluable work you and your team are doing to promote health and safety in the community!
**Jo Gielen:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share our mission and hopefully inspire others to join us in this important cause.
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This interview highlights the importance and impact of the Vitality Day for the community while allowing Jo Gielen to share insights that emphasize the program’s value.
