Photo credit: 123RF/Sergey Nivens
Every year, one out of every three adults, age 65 and older, suffers from a fall. And, the risk of falling increases as older Americans age. Falls can cause minor to severe injuries – everything from cuts and bruises to broken bones and head traumas. Falls can even result in death.
Experts say older adults should exercise regularly to reduce their chances of falling. Regular exercise can also help them maintain their independent lifestyle. Older adults can improve their balance with common exercises like balance training, tai chi, and yoga.
Yoga Improves Balance and Reduces Fall Risk
Yoga is an ancient spiritual and physical discipline. It uses breathing techniques, exercises in postures or poses, and meditation. Yoga strengthens your muscles and increases your flexibility while creating an awareness and balance in your mind and body. Besides improving your balance, yoga improves your posture, reduces chronic pain, gives you more energy, and a more positive outlook on life.
A recent study in postural stability suggested that a 12-week yoga program, modified for older adults who have fallen, can be effective in improving stability. The study evaluated 39 healthy seniors who were over 60 years old, living independently, and who had fallen at least once in the past year. Women made up the majority of the participants. However, women also have a higher risk of falling. Participants were assigned to 2 one-hour classes per week for 12 weeks in balance training, tai chi, or yoga. Participants in the yoga program performed various poses that targeted muscles important in maintaining balance.
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After 12 weeks, older adults in all 3 groups experienced significant improvements in balance, gait, and posture control. While the study didn’t show whether yoga actually led to a reduction in falls, it did suggest that yoga can lead to an improvement in a participant’s ability to maintain their balance. And, balance improvement can likely reduce their risk of a potential fall.
To determine what yoga style may be right for you, consult your physician or physical therapist.
ezWalker® Custom Orthotics Improve Your Balance, Too
Do you suffer from pain in your feet, legs, hips, or lower back that affects your stability or your ability to walk? ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics can provide you with greater stability and balance. Our custom orthotics guide your feet into better bio-mechanical alignment, creating a firmer foundation for your body.
At the WalkEZStore, we use a unique 7-step, custom-impression process to create your custom orthotics. Our ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics are designed for the individual specifications of each of your feet, so your feet will function in a more optimally controlled position. Therefore, each step you take will have the proper support it needs. Plus, any stress on your feet, legs, hips, and lower back will be reduced, providing you with pain relief.
For more information and to see what others are saying about ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics, visit the WalkEZStore.com. ezWalker® Custom Orthotics are ultra-thin and ¾ length, so they will fit in a wide variety of footwear with ease. And they come with a 90-day, money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose but your foot pain. Call the WalkEZstore to schedule your professional foot gait analysis and learn what you don’t know about your two unique feet. 888-392-5539.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
