Winter is right around the corner, and an increase in cold weather means an increased risk of ice and snow. When it’s slippery outside, knowing how to stay on your feet is essential. Learn how to improve balance and coordination so you’re ready for winter and beyond.
Discover How to Improve Balance and Coordination
When the weather outside gets frightful, a senior’s fall risk increases significantly. That’s why seniors need to think about how to improve balance and coordination long before the bad weather hits. Why are balance and coordination essential to preserving a senior’s health, and how can you improve your sense of them?
The Importance of Safe Movement for Seniors
When you were younger, simple movements like walking may not have seemed difficult. However, as we age and our abilities change, simple movements can become more complicated. There are many reasons that savvy seniors actively work to improve their balance and coordination in their golden years:
- As the body ages, we lose some of our ability to process sensory information that helps us keep our balance. Seniors also commonly experience decreases in muscle strength. These two factors can make balance and coordination challenging.
- Seniors may also have health problems that further affect their sense of balance and coordination. For example, conditions like high blood pressure can cause dizziness, as can some common senior medications.
- The good news is that balance and coordination are skills that your body can redevelop over time. Research demonstrates that seniors who take the time to improve their balance and coordination can regain and even improve their independent movement skills.
What Can I Do to Improve My Balance and Coordination?
Because there are multiple causes for poor senior balance and coordination, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for the problem. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can try to improve your balance and coordination:
- Learn to identify balance problems before they cause more significant issues. If you’re regularly lightheaded, dizzy, unsteady on your feet, or feel uncomfortable independently navigating your own space, you might benefit from help. Please don’t ignore it!
- If you have concerns about balance and coordination, talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to help you determine what factors might be causing your issues and can make changes like adjusting medication as needed.
- Make balance and coordination exercises a part of your daily routine. These exercises will help your body develop strength and flexibility in critical areas that will allow you to stay on your feet.
- An unhealthy lifestyle can also contribute to balance and coordination issues. You can help yourself by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and working with your doctor to manage chronic conditions.
- You can make your home safer and improve your confidence in movement by installing assistive devices. Grab bars, good lighting, and other tools can make your space more accessible to navigate and limit fall risk.
- If working on balance and coordination is proving difficult, consider how moving into an assisted living community could help. You can get a personalized care plan and the support you need while you figure out what works best for you.
_____
Now that you know how to improve balance and coordination, make it a part of your daily routine. What steps can you take to improve your balance and coordination today?
Are you seeking an assisted living, memory support, or physician-directed nursing community in Kansas City? Check out The Piper. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals ensures that “residents feel secure” and comfortable immediately. At our warm and welcoming community, which is truly a “home within a home,” we foster social interaction, engagement, and the right amount of care. Our residents always come first. To learn more about our services or schedule a tour, please call us at 913-361-5136 or contact us online.