Is Your Balance As Good As It Used To Be?

 Probably not.  Mine sure isn't.  There are many reasons why balance decreases as we age.  Vision changes, muscles weaken, nerves become less sensitive and sometimes medications or health conditions can play a role.  So what should you do?  If your doctor approves, keep moving.  The old saying "Use it or lose it" is still true.  Here are a few things I have personally done to help keep good balance and muscle strength,

First, my mom started about 20 years ago getting down on the floor every day, then getting up without the use of any props, just her hands!  It sounds easy, and it is easy for me, but many people in their 70's simply can't get up off the floor.  My mom started doing it when her husband had numerous falls and could never get up.  She's been doing it every day for years, and still does it daily at 103.  Getting up off the floor helps build strength and maintain balance.

One thing I have been doing for years (I used to do it while waiting to check out at the grocery store, but since I now do self check out, I do it on my own.)  I stand on one leg for about 30 seconds (If I can), then change to the other leg.  I do this 3 times a day.  It's really great for balance.

Of course yoga is one of the best activities for overall health, muscle strength and balance, and can be done at almost any activity level.  '

Tai Chai is another activity for strength and balance.

We have to accept the fact that balance will decrease as we age, but there are many activities we can engage in to maintain our balance.  Even walking, or better yet, trying to walk on a straight line (like taking a sobriety test) help maintain what we've got for as long as we can.