Preventing Falls in Older Adults: Staying Active Through Volunteering

The Challenge of Falls in Older Adults

• ⚠️ Nearly 30% of Texans aged 65 and above reported experiencing a fall in the past year.
• 🎯 Falls can lead to ER visits and impact the safety and activity levels of older adults.

Staying Active Through Volunteering

• 💡 One of the simplest ways to prevent falls is by staying active.
• 🐕 Volunteering with organizations like the Houston Humane Society offers a way to remain physically engaged.
• 🚶‍♀️ Activities such as walking dogs help maintain muscle tone and physical fitness.

Benefits of Dog Walking Volunteering

• ⚡ Walking dogs, especially those that pull or jump, requires balance and agility, contributing to physical conditioning.
• 🧠 It provides a sense of purpose and a reason to get up and out of the house regularly.
• 🌳 The Houston Humane Society offers a beautiful, shaded facility with nice paths for walking, making it an enjoyable way to spend time.

Getting Involved

• 🔗 Interested individuals can visit houstonhumane.org and navigate to the volunteer section for information.
• ✅ A short orientation is available for those looking to start volunteering.
• 🐶 Volunteers help dogs get out of their kennels daily, providing them with much-needed exercise and interaction.