Balance Through Motion
FALL PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEK AUGUST 22-24 2018
by Kathy Fleming
Just as a gyroscope maintains equilibrium through motion, we too maintain our balance through motion. However, as we age, our equilibrium changes, so our risk of falling increases. Muscle mass can decrease, causing a loss of strength, and joints can become stiff, causing a lack of mobility and flexibility, thus reducing range of motion. In turn, muscle weakness and joint rigidity cause misalignment of the body and compromised posture, leading to shallow breathing and a lack of properly oxygenated blood. Slipping into a sedentary lifestyle can result in overall atrophy of the body and mind, thereby increasing the risk of falling. Medications also may contribute to a loss of equilibrium and an increased risk of falling. One in three seniors falls each year, which is the leading cause of injury-related death among those 65 and older.* Can we prevent falls? Yes! We can experience healthy aging and reduce our risk of falling if we are willing to incorporate motion into our daily living.
Reasonable physical activity, appropriate to our fitness level, can help us achieve optimal health and an overall sense of well being by providing several physical and mental health benefits: Improved breathing, circulation, posture, coordination, and balance, thus improving stability. Improved muscle tone and strength as well as improved flexibility, mobility, and range of motion of the joints, all work together to reduce the risk of falling. Through motion, increased flow of properly oxygenated blood enhances mental alertness and focus, body responses and reflexes, allowing a smooth flow of vital energy throughout the mind and body. What’s more, activities such yoga and t’ai chi, by their very nature, improve balance, in addition to enhancing the relaxation response, developing a sense of mindfulness and intention, as well as an overall awareness of mind and body.
From tennis to t’ai chi, yoga to zumba, walking, hiking, bicycling, swimming, or dancing, choosing a variety of movement activities that we enjoy, and starting gradually, will keep us interested and engaged. Joining a class or inviting someone to join us can help us stay on track with our commitment to taking good care of ourselves.Balance through motion is a pleasant and effective way of relaxing, relieving stress, developing mental acuity, and of building and maintaining robust health, vitality, and quality of life.
For more information about taking classes at San Diego Oasis,
call 619-881-6262 or go to www.sandiegooasis.org
(*San Diego Fall Prevention Task Force’s brochure, You CAN Prevent Falls! A Guide to Preventing Falls)
