Multicomponent exercise recommended to prevent falls in elderly

Health experts are emphasizing the importance of individualized and multicomponent exercise routines to maintain autonomy and prevent falls in the elderly population.

Data from the Longitudinal Study of the Health of Brazilian Elderly (ELSI-Brazil), conducted by Fiocruz, indicates that approximately 25.1% of elderly residents in urban areas of Brazil experienced at least one fall within a 12-month period. To combat risks such as sarcopenia—the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function—specialists suggest that physical activity must go beyond simple walking.

An ideal regimen for retirees is multicomponent exercise, which integrates resistance training, muscular strength, balance, coordination, and mobility in a single session. Experts note that while walking provides cardiovascular benefits, it should be supplemented with specific movements, such as chair rises or lateral displacements, to preserve the ability to perform daily tasks like climbing stairs or maintaining stability.