Keeping Your Balance

One of the biggest threats to having continued independence and mobility is a fall. With falls come breaks, sprains, aches, and pains. What's more, the sense of losing physical balance has an impact on the state of emotional well-being, especially for the aging adult.

If you or a loved one are experiencing issues with balance, there are thankfully many ways to gradually improve your balance day by day. It should suffice to say that you don't need to risk walking a tightrope in order to achieve gains in the balance department. With a little diligence, the fear of taking a tumble during daily activities can be a thing of the past. 

How you approach improving your balance depends on your starting ability. Regardless if your level is standing on one leg for ten seconds or just going from sitting to standing, The key is to add incremental challenges along the way. For some, going from walking on concrete to walking on grass is enough of a challenge. After the grass is mastered, walking on a sandy beach is a logical next step to strengthening the stabilizing muscles. 

Recreational activities like playing "corn-hole" or a game of horse shoe can also assist in maintaining your balance. For those with difficulty walking, a water walking class, which is a milder version of water aerobics, is a safe and effective method. 

Speaking of safety, be sure to mind your safety at all times, especially if you already have a balance or mobility issue. A simple balance exercise could involve standing with the wall on one side and a tall chair on your other side to provide stability if needed. Then practice standing on one leg for as long as you can. If you can only hold the position for a few seconds, no worries; just set a goal for a few seconds more and strive to achieve it every day. 

As important as balance is, it is worth spending a few minutes a day to either maintain or improve it. Whether you opt for a walk in the park or a beginner's yoga class, grab a friend and make it a good time!