Why We Need Senior Balance Exercises As We Age

Necessity Of Senior Balance Exercises

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com

   The purpose of rehearsing senior balance exercises on a daily basis has a multitude of positive benefits. Please see http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Unfortunately, medical professionals have determined that there is a significant aging process that takes place in our balance system with each passing year in our later decades. The balance system has three main components: the eyes, inner ear vestibular system and the sensory input from feet and ankles. Each one of these components declines as we advance in years. Lets look in more detail at the diminishing function of the inner ear vestibular system. Most people are familiar with the problems associated with the aging of senses such as vision and hearing. Medical professionals have found, However, that the vestibular system is another sensory system that can also begin to function poorly with age, leading to a diminished quality of life. The vestibular system is a complex structure of fluid-filled loops and sacs that makes up part of the inner ear. Cranial nerves that connect to the inner ear have Specialized nerve endings inside these structures which detect the position and movement of the head and also detect the direction of gravity. The signals sent from the nerves of the vestibular system are critically important to the brain’s ability to control balance in standing and walking and also to control certain types of reflexive eye movements that make it possible to see clearly while walking or climbing stairs. Medical researchers have published Anatomical studies that have shown that the number of nerve cells in the vestibular system decreases from about age 55. Blood flow to the inner ear also decreases with age. characteristic bilateral vestibular loss becomes more severe as age progresses. When the vestibular system is damaged by any cause like a blow to the head or an inner ear infection, an individual may experience dizziness and balance problems. However, the gradual, age-related loss of vestibular nerve endings can result in severe balance problems without any associated dizziness. This type of slow loss of vestibular function may be first noticed as difficulty walking or standing, especially in the dark while on soft or uneven surfaces like grass or a thick carpet. Fortunately, balance abilities can be improved by rehearsing senior balance exercises on a daily basis.

Senior Balance Exercises Help With Age Related Declines

    Health professionals have determined that as we age our natural balance system components decline , requiring us to perform senior balance exercises on a consistent daily basis to enhance stability and reduce the potential of a fall. The good news is that by rehearsing equilibrium routines regularly older adults are able to advance their balance abilities and slow the effects of the balance system's natural declines. You can start a stability routine by standing with one foot directly behind the other foot in a tandem position,  with your weight centered in the middle of your feet.  In this position with a narrow base of support, you will challenge your balance reactions at your feet and ankles, enhancing the speed and strength of those balance reactions. This and a progression of senior balance exercises will help to enhance your steadiness with all movement activities. You can learn this series of senior balance exercises by following the lead of a knowledgeable Physical Therapist in the Exercise For Balance DVD.

Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    For all those who are in their later years, please begin  the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The professionally filmed Balance DVD is an excellent directional DVD to use at home or in a group setting. The Balance DVD is completely filled with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, balance techniques and balance routines from a balance trainer (licensed Physical Therapist) who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

    Get started on balance exercises today with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health-information/