Page 116 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2020- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

A Balance Test

Could Save Your Life

by Kayla Moseley

“Use it or lose it” are true words for many of life’s If you want to prevent falling, exercise helps. But if
desires, and that includes your balance. While you’re already balance-challenged, you might be afraid
deteriorating balance is most often a function of age, to work out at the gym, take a bike ride, or go for a
the reality is that our balance system matures at about vigorous walk around the neighborhood.
13 years of age. According to a study at Johns Hopkins,
by the age of 40, more than a third of the population This is also when a physical therapist can help you.
has an inner ear (vestibular) disorder affecting balance. A PT can properly evaluate your balance issue and
For people over 80 years of age, more than 85 percent prescribe appropriate exercises to help you regain
have a balance disorder (1). your balance and your confidence. For a lot of people,
balance disorders can be reduced or eliminated simply
“Oftentimes, a client tries to do a simple task that by doing specific exercises and getting back in shape.
requires good balance, like getting up fast to answer
the phone or turning too quickly in the kitchen, According to the CDC’s National Center for Injury
and they fall,” explains Brian Werner, PT, MPT, Prevention and Control, one out of three adults aged
and balance expert. “Their mind says, ‘I can do this 65 or older, falls each year, but less than half talk to
activity,’ but their body and balance system disagree.” their healthcare providers about it.
Time won’t fix the issue of poor balance; brushing it Here are a few tips to prevent falls and stay safe at
off as just being clumsy is a dangerous mindset. There home (from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
are ways to improve your balance, which prevents the Mayo Clinic):
your risk of falling.
• Keep moving and include gentle exercise daily
“The balance system only gets weaker and weaker that is a mix of cardiovascular, balance, and
with disuse, increasing your risk of falling,” says stretching.
Werner. “Your life depends on improving your • Review your medications with a health specialist
balance, particularly if you’re older. About one in because some may impair sight, walking, and
five hip fractures turns fatal within a year, so it’s balance.
imperative to get your balance assessed and your body • Remove hazards from walkways, such as loose
properly re-trained.” rugs, electrical cords, and boxes.
• Get a balance assessment.

The most common risk factor for falls is increasing
age. And, like an underused muscle, if you don’t
work on your balance as you age, it will simply
weaken over time, increasing your risk of falling and
being seriously injured.
The good news is – whatever your age – there’s help.
You can restore balance in your life with a treatment
that’s drug-free, non-invasive, and that works. Talk
to your doctor or physical therapist about a balance
assessment today.

116 Senior Link