Katonah Village Library helps seniors stay on their feet

KATONAH, N.Y. - Falling is never a good thing, and the older you are, the more serious the consequences can be. To help reduce the risk, Katonah Village Library recently hosted a fall prevention class, bringing in longtime fitness professional Killeen Rhodes to teach exercises designed to improve balance, strength and stability.

“People don’t realize how important it is to exercise balance and strength,” said Rhodes, who has been in the fitness industry since the 1970s.

Lunges, the butterfly, squats, wall pushups and the back pocket exercise were among the stabilizing movements participants learned. Building strength through a regular routine helps people react more quickly with better reflexes. In the worst-case scenario, when gravity gets the upper hand, those skills can help people recover from a stumble and stay on their feet, Rhodes explained.

She has seen the results firsthand. While teaching classes at Heritage Hills, Rhodes said nearly everyone has a story about falling, but those who consistently attend her classes rarely come back with a new one.

The Plunketts of Katonah know the importance of balance firsthand.

“I watched my husband fall,” said Elizabeth Plunkett.

Wanting to make sure they both stay steady on their feet is what brought them to the class. But practicing at home is just as important. With balance already a concern, Peter Plunkett said he's grateful to have someone making sure he keeps up with the exercises.

“I have a personal trainer who will kick my butt if I don’t maintain the exercises,” he joked, referring to his wife.

Rhodes hopes to return to the library in the fall, but she encourages people not to wait to start improving their balance.

“Look up balance and posture online,” Rhodes said. “There are plenty of exercise options that will help keep you upright.”

It’s a small investment of time that can pay significant dividends, a sentiment participant Donna Knoth summed up simply.

“You don’t want to fall,” she said.