A fall can be a serious thing for a senior leading to injuries, long recovery times and possible loss of independence, but health officials say it all can be prevented with regular exercise.

Okotoks resident Jim Minue learned the value of exercise after he fell three months ago.

The 83-year-old has been attending a regular exercise program at the Foothills Centennial Centre and it’s something his doctors credit for a fast recovery.

Okotoks residents Jim and Mauna Minue credit an exercise program for seniors for improving their health and improving recovery time after Jim fell earlier this year.

Minue was told his injuries would have been more serious and he would have had a longer recovery time if he wasn’t staying active with regular exercise.

“I had two different doctors tell me that,” he said.

The eight-week program is run by Alberta Health Services to help seniors remain active and he required a doctor’s note to participate.

Minue said he does more than just work his body, as breathing exercises are a big component in the program.

He said the classes have helped him in every day life, for example,  he is finding it easier to traverse stairs.

“They’ve really fixed me so I can go up and down stairs, I was just about done going up and down stairs,” said Minue.

His wife Mauna said the program has helped her with knee problems that may have required surgery.

“I can walk and you can’t tell I have a limp at all,” she said.

Exercises include using workout machines, simple arm exercises, doing push ups against a wall and walking.

“They’re all very simple things and it’s amazing how much they do help,” said Mauna.

Luella Wojcik, senior health clinic co-ordinator, said exercising helps to maintain strength, endurance and flexibility — all of which helps to prevent falls and minimize injury.

In addition, she said all of those things help seniors retain their independence.

“You have people who are stronger and more able to look after themselves and stay independent,” she said.

Seniors don’t have to attend an exercise class to remain active. They can swim, curl, walk or hike, but Wojcik said they should be doing something they enjoy.

She said people can do things like walk the track in the Centennial Arena in Okotoks, participate in activities at a local senior’s club or walk their dogs along pathways in town.

“A lot of the activities people can do don’t have to cost anything,” said Wojcik.

She said it’s better to do activities as part of a group, building a social component into their activities. Wojcik said this will also help to provide a support network and keep people active.

She stressed seniors should check with their doctors about what activities are safe for them.

For more information about the exercise program in Okotoks contact the Health and Wellness Centre at 403-995-2600. In other foothills communities seniors can contact their local homecare provider.

More information about fall prevention is available on-line at www.findingbalancealberta.ca.

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