Do you feel like your age limits what you can do?
What is aging? How does it affect your lifestyle?
Aging is a normal process of getting older, which can include physical, mental, and social changes.
Biological aging refers to the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur over time.
To experience success as you age requires preparation and constant efforts.
Older adults who stay mentally active have a lower risk of cognitive impairment.
Activities like reading, writing, doing puzzles, learning a language, and studying music stimulate the brain.
The more complex the activity, the more productive it may be in enhancing your brain.
As you age, balance issues become more common. But what do these issues mean for you, and how can you address them?
Understanding Balance Issues
Losing your balance is often followed by a range of other symptoms and it may be different for you and how you feel compared to other individuals.
Balance issues after 50 years old are often worse when you go from sitting to standing up.
They can also lead to feeling dizzy and may be accompanied by nausea. These symptoms you feel can last a few minutes or even a few days.
Sudden changes to your blood pressure can become another issue. With each passing year, your body becomes less efficient at pumping blood through your veins. If you stand up too quickly or make a sudden movement, it causes your blood pressure to drop.
This can also cause a lack of circulation which is when your body is not as efficient at pumping blood as it used to be.
Oxygen does not travel as quickly to your brain, muscles, and organs and this can cause sensations of balance loss every once in a while.
Five Simple Ways to Maintain Balance at Home
One-foot balance
Try standing on one foot for 10 seconds then switching to the other foot for 10 seconds.
Sit to stand
This movement is excellent for strengthening your legs. Sit in a chair with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle. Fold your arms in front of you, and slowly stand up without the help of your hands. Sit down gradually again and repeat several times.
Walk the balance beam
Walk heel to toe across the floor like you are walking along a balance beam. You may feel funny trying this, but it can go a long way in helping your balance!
Lunges
Step forward on one leg with your hands on your hips and your feet hip-width apart. As you do so, bend both knees until the front thigh is parallel to the floor and the lower leg is bent 90 degrees. You can walk around the room doing this.
Yoga
Yoga is a gentle way to practice balance. It also has huge benefits in strength training and flexibility which are extremely important as the body ages.
Overall physical balance is an essential component of having a healthy lifestyle, especially for seniors. Having a good balance impacts many activities we do every day.
It is beneficial for fall prevention, improved mobility, and greater muscle tone and strength.
A healthy balance system can give you more energy and strength and help you move freely and confidently.
– Emily E.