Maintaining Independence with a Balance Practice

You know those tricky topics that are really hard to bring up with people face-to-face? This might be one of those.

I mean...how do you say without saying “I’m not saying you’re getting older, but …you are… so... let’s start talking about staying in your home long-term if that’s what you want.” 

Regardless of how the topic comes up, with every client we see who is over the age of around 55, we start to talk about NOT FALLING DOWN (and if you end up on the ground, safely getting back up). Because - frankly - the stakes go up as fractures and breaks mean more recovery time and less independence. So why not train to avoid them now?

There are many resources out there on avoiding falls … and we want to add to that conversation!

THE BIGGEST ISSUES WITH BALANCE THAT OCCUR AS WE AGE ARE:

• Changes in vestibular function: your inner ear starts to struggle with gravity
• Changes in visual function: your lens shape changes + you look around less as you settle into routines
• Reduction in novel movement: we get into our routines and stick to them (See our blog post on aging and mobility for more info on novel movement!) 
• Increase in supportive footwear: the less information you get from your feet...the less information you have about the ground!

We want to train all of these safely to maintain a good relationship with gravity, the ability to see and orient to our environment, and move well on and respond to the ground below us!

TRAIN YOUR BALANCE WITH THESE EASY, BUT EFFECTIVE, EXERCISES:

1. Barefoot walking : just that! Get out in the grass, on sand, on carpet … as many surfaces as you can safely navigate! Your feet give your brain SO. MUCH. INFORMATION. About balance, posture and staying upright. Give them a break from the orthotics and supportive cushions!
2. Eye Drills: our eyes may naturally change shape as we age, but some basic eye exercises can keep them (and your balance) healthy! For our favorite eye drill, see the video above.
3. Single Leg Drills:  no better way to train balance than by balancing on one leg! Check out our favorite traditional balance exercise in the video above.

Did you enjoy these drills? Get a FREE 2-week trial of our digital brain-based coaching method which includes an exercise library filled with body and brain goodness, on demand classes, and UNLIMITED live stream classes with our expert coaches to keep you balanced. Your brain (and body) will thank you.

Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.