Gregg Davidson, Wellington County councillor for Ward 2 and chair of Safe Communities Wellington County (SCWC), recently participated in a VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) exercise class to help promote seniors getting active and exercising.
With falls being a top priority for SCWC, Davidson was pleased to promote seniors getting active. After the session on Nov. 20 at the Drayton Reformed Church, he described the exercise class as “very good.
“I broke a sweat and know that my legs are going to be a little sore tomorrow. Each person exercised at their comfort level, but all I was trying to do was keep up with this active group of seniors,” he stated.
Falls in older adults are predictable and preventable, notes VON regional SMART coordinator Kelly Gee.
She pointed out the VON SMART program aims to increase awareness of the issue through its exercise and fall prevention program by encouraging older adults to take action to prevent falls and injuries from falls.
“Although there are many factors that encompass a fall and many things one can do to mitigate their risk of falling, the best solution to fall prevention is to exercise,” states Ge e.
“Falls … happen but, if you exercise you are less likely to incur a serious injury.”
Davidson said there are cost savings from preventing injury and hospitalization
“That is why Safe Communities Wellington County have been working with our partners to educate against falls in all age groups,” he said.
“One such program that we promote is senior fitness as exercise is vital for our balance control in preventing an injury from a fall. Try standing on one foot and raise the other out in front of you. If you stumble, then you need to consider strengthening your legs and your core to maintain your balance.”
The VON SMART program offers free classes at over 60 locations throughout the county. To find a class, contact Gee by email at kelly.gee@von.ca, by phone at 519-323-2330 ext. 4954 or go to vonsmartexercise.com.
