Overview
Why exercise matters and understanding fall risk.
Why Exercise?
Our bodies evolved for constant movement — walking, lifting, carrying, climbing. Modern life has removed almost all of it. We drive instead of walk, sit instead of squat, and live on flat surfaces instead of uneven ground.
The result? We live longer, but our bodies aren't prepared for it. Exercise isn't optional any more — it's maintenance.
Doctors receive just 2–3 hours of nutrition education in their entire degree. Over 50% of doctors are themselves overweight. You're unlikely to hear about prevention in a 10-minute GP appointment — which is exactly why this workshop exists.
"The ancient Chinese had preventative medicine sorted. If people stayed healthy, the doctor's income went up. If they got sick, they stopped paying the doctor. In our system it's the other way around — which might explain why your GP spends more time on prescriptions than prevention."
"Walking is man's best medicine" — Hippocrates
Why Falls Matter
Falls aren't just an inconvenience — they're one of the biggest threats to independence as we age. The good news? Most falls are preventable.
30% of over-65s fall every year. Falls account for 43% of all injury hospitalisations in Australia, costing $5 billion annually. One in four people over 65 who break a hip don't survive the year. Around 50% suffer a significant reduction in mobility.
The rate of falls among under-60s is rising too — a third of falls now happen in that age group. Most falls happen in the afternoon, and spring is the least likely season.
Signs you might benefit from this
- Pushing on chairs to stand up
- Sitting down to get dressed
- Staying near things "just in case"
- Walking more slowly than you used to
- Looking down a lot while walking
- Stumbling, tripping, or fear of falling
Study of fall circumstances: 125 women over 12 months
Most falls happen in the afternoon
Ready to walk the talk?
Join Alan's next workshop, or book an appointment to work on your specific goals.