Balance is essential for seniors

Why is balance important?

Balance is one of the most important functions that our bodies have. Without it, walking and any movement would be difficult, if not impossible. Many things can harm the body’s balance, like illnesses and disorders. Vertigo is a well-known disorder that throws your balance off, and Meniere’s less well-known disease also plays havoc with your vestibular system.

 

How does your balance work?

Your balance is controlled by a labyrinth, which is made up of semicircular canals on one side and a structure called a cochlea on the other. The labyrinth works with your eyes and your feet to determine your balance. Signals sent to the brain from the labyrinth inform the brain about our movement or lack of movement, which defines our balance.

What causes problems with your balance?

viral infections in the ear can cause problems with your balance

A head injury

Certain medications

 

Exercises to improve your balance

Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

• Stand on one leg and count to 10, then switch to the other leg. If your balance is impaired, hold on to a chair or brace yourself with your hand on the wall. With any exercise, it is always important to remember safety first.
• Do the first exercise with your eyes closed.
• Pretend you are walking the tightrope. Put one foot directly in front of the other.
• Stand behind a chair, holding the top with both hands. Bend your knees, bend your leg backward, and return to the starting position. Alternate legs.
  
• Once again, stand behind a chair and hold the top; instead of bending the leg backward, lift it from the side. Alternate legs.

Flexibility 

As you probably guessed, flexibility or lack of it can determine a good.
Your balance is. If your muscles and joints are stiff, chances are your balance.
It will be out of whack as well.


Stretching exercises are usually the first thing that comes to mind when you wonder how to become more flexible.
Most folks think that stretching is only done before exercising or participating.
in sports, but stretching can be beneficial just by doing it.

Yoga
Another great way to stretch is by becoming active in yoga, which has gained popularity over the years. Not only
It’s good for the muscles, and it benefits your inner self as well.