As per the Center for Disease Control (CDC), millions of individuals aged 65 and above in the United States experience falls, with a concerning 25% of them succumbing to this hazard. Disturbingly, one out of five falls results in severe consequences such as fractures, head injuries, and even fatalities. Annually, over 3 million elderly individuals seek emergency treatment for fall-related injuries, leading to more than 800,000 hospitalizations, predominantly due to head injuries or hip fractures. Notably, at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized yearly for hip fractures, with over 95% of these fractures attributed to falling, often in a sideways manner. Falls also stand as the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Falls incur substantial medical costs that exceeded $50 billion in 2015, with Medicare and Medicaid shouldering 75% of these expenses.
Statistics from www.Statista.com reveal a nearly twofold increase in fall-related deaths from 2007 to 2021. Younger adults in their 50s are susceptible to falls, as evidenced by friends who suffered leg fractures. Additionally, 5-10% of Parkinson’s Disease patients experience onset before the age of 50. Falls impose not only physical but also financial burdens on victims, despite insurance coverage.
In the realm of fall prevention, the CDC advocates for Tai Chi practice. Chris Cinnamon, an exercise physiologist, wellness expert, and Tai Chi instructor, has recently authored “Tai Chi for Balance,” delineating his comprehensive approach to fall prevention. Drawing from his extensive training under Tai Chi and Qigong Master Bruce Frantzis, Sifu Chris combines Tai Chi principles with biomechanics and physiology, crafting a system specifically tailored for individuals aged 70 and above. This system, detailed in his book, incorporates basic Tai Chi movements (not forms) and simple yet important balance exercises and has garnered success in his teachings.
Cinnamon’s book stands out for its well-researched subject matter, user-friendly organization, and insightful presentation. Each chapter concludes with a summary, ensuring readers grasp the material thoroughly. The use of large fonts caters to individuals aged 70 and above, and the inclusion of 35 exercises with clear instructions and hundreds of illustrations aids comprehension. A noteworthy feature is the availability of online videos demonstrating the exercises, enhancing the learning experience.
Having reviewed and discussed the book with Chris Cinnamon, I recommend “Tai Chi for Balance” for seniors and instructors working with older adults. Cinnamon’s adept explanations, analogies, and illustrations elucidate key concepts, fostering a visual understanding of stability, center of gravity, and base of support. His emphasis on whole body awareness and precise posture control adds further value to the book, making it an invaluable resource in the realm of fall prevention.
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Will this “comprehensive approach to fall prevention” actually prevent falls? It makes sense to most of us that better balance SHOULD BE a major benefit of TCC practice. And research supports this hypothesis. But science is not based on what is plausible…rather, it is based on what is probable. And probability requires data and statistical analysis. Again, without standards, hypothesized mechanisms, and a good basis for comparing different studies we are far from proving anything about TCC’s impact on either general health or specific problems.