Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 and older, and the risk of falls increases proportionately with age. At 80 years, over half of seniors fall annually.
Wow, why is that? Fall prevention experts ensure that the homes of our loved ones have been made “fall proof”. No rugs, grab bars in the necessary places, and we insist that they us walkers. So why are they falling? Because if you don’t improve their SENSE of BALANCE they will eventually fall.
What exactly is a sense of balance? Our sense of sight, our vestibular sense located in our inner ear and sensors all over our body inform our brain of our body’s position, and we have reflexes which are supposed use this information to ensure that we stay upright. Unfortunately, few exercise programs include these senses and as we all know “use it or lose it”
An exercise program which includes neuro-sensory exercises will improve your sense of balance. In fact, by moving your body in ways that integrate your vision and balance at the same time you will feel more grounded and stronger with each step that you take.
Fall prevention is a life skill. Move your eyes more, challenge yourself to keep balance in unusual positions. Your brain knows how to keep you upright, it just needs practice.
