Part 2: Now that I know how to avoid falling, I can return to doing the things I loved to do when I was younger

If you read Part 1 of this article then you need not fear having a catastrophic fall, and you can resume doing the things you loved to do when you were younger. What follows are a few suggestions to make your life even better.

If you are an avid walker, jogger, or runner, that’s great. Nothing is healthier than exercising outside and breathing fresh air.

Also, vitamin D is referred to as the sunshine vitamin. If most of your body is exposed to sun light for at least an hour a day, then you may be getting sufficient Vitamin D. However, as you get older, the ability of your body to absorb Vitamin D decreases. So even if you live in a warm climate, it is still a good idea to take Vitamin D3 supplements. Vitamin D3 strengthens your immune system as well as your overall health.

Also, don’t I have to be super careful to avoid having a fall?

Yes, but there are several things you can do to simplify and understand the process.

• Where ever possible you should run on the left side of a road. This way you should never have to change your field of view to see oncoming traffic.
• When there is no traffic, slow down a bit and look off to the side. You may find that all that happens is that you are not running in a straight line.
• Speed up a bit and repeat the process.
• Keep repeating the process until you can’t go any faster, or you stumble or fall.
• If you stumble or fall, that tells you that you should never maintain that speed when traffic increases or you are on a path that you share with other runners or bikers.
• In any event, this exercise gives you valuable information about what your limitations are, and how to conduct yourself in traffic and on a path.
• And yes, it is important to change your shoes every 250 miles whether you are a walker, jogger, or runner.

If you are elderly and still ride a bike and feel comfortable doing so, then keep doing it. You should always be careful not to let go of the handle bars.

If you no longer feel comfortable riding your bike, there are all sorts of stationary bikes that you can ride indoors. If you miss the outdoors, there are mobile stationary bikes that can be easily moved and taken outside, weather permitting.

If you are not into stationary bikes there are all sorts of rowing machines and exercise equipment that are available.

Exercising doesn’t just mean physical exercise, it also means mental exercise. Your brain is like a muscle, if you use it and challenge it, it will remain strong. If you don’t, it will atrophy.

If you enjoy doing puzzles such as sudoku, Free-cell Solitaire, Crossword Puzzles, etc., then do them. Just as long as you enjoy doing them and do not spend more than an hour a day at it.

Of course when you exercise you must be careful to hydrate. Again, we strongly recommend that the water you drink, be properly filtered or bottled water.