BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Exercising helps maintain the integrity of our bones, improves balance, coordination, and mobility. As we get older, it becomes even more important. Fitness training can also help reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases, including arthritis.
Peter Milhous of Synergy Fitness returned to The :30 with some in-home exercises to improve balance that people, especially as they age, can do to help prevent falling and getting injured.
"Tips from the trainer:"
As many as 28% to 45% of elders fall each year.
Causes:
- Vision may decrease and lead to falls
- Lack of time spent in "unstable" environments.
- Reduced muscular strength including weak legs and hips (leads to osteoporosis)
- Postural problems including curved spine and spinal degeneration (cervical rotation)
- Ability to lift foot (inflexibility) may be reduced increasing stumbling
Solution: Decrease risk factors
- Environmental Hazards (in home and out)
- Remove things you can trip over from stairs and places where you walk.
- Remove small throw rugs or use tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
- Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
- Improve the lighting in your home.
To avoid Osteoporsis, add Calcium and Vitamin D and incorporate Physical Exercises that focus on the cause above.
Though our balance will decline as we age, balance activities, elderly balance exercises and elderly balance training can limit the loss and actually improve performance.
For more, watch the video from The :30.
