Falling often, and falling fatally

People are living longer as frailer adults, more prone to falling. As a result, the rate of falls resulting in disability or death is significantly higher than it was a decade ago.

My frail old mom just started using a Soloflex Whole Body Vibration system (www.soloflex.com) in the last few weeks. This device--a sleek black bench low to the floor--is supposed to enhance muscle and blood vessel tone, balance, and bone strength in just 10 minutes per day.

Unfortunately, one small step up on a shaking platform is one small step too much for a shakey old lady. So she sits on the side of her bed with only her feet on the bench for her daily 'work-out.'

Interestingly, just this little shake-up has resulted in increased feeling in her numbish feet. I am hopeful that more sensitive feet means surer footing as she navigates around her apartment.