| Poor balance? What can be done?
Many people do not realise how common and serious having a fall can be, as you get older.
- 30% of people over 65 will suffer a fall every year.
- 50% of older patients suffering hip fractures will require long terms nursing care
(Steinweg 1997; Royal Australian College of Physicians, Working Party on Osteoporosis, 1991).
Your best defence is good balance – which is really a combination of good posture, mobility, flexibility and most importantly strength.
After the age of 50 muscle mass and strength will decrease every year (Lynch et al 1999).
This muscle weakness is associated with
- Decreased bone mineral density or bone strength (Bevier et al 1989)
- Increased risk of falls and fracture (Campbell et al 1989, Whipple et al 1987and Aniansson et al 1984).
This of course contributes greatly to your chance of long-term disability, as you get older.
It does not have to be you.
You can dramatically improve your strength and dynamic balance with the right type of exercise (Nelson et al 1994, Taafe et al 1999, Hagerman et al 2000).
Many studies have shown a combination of strength, balance and cardiovascular exercise is the most effective way to prevent falls, as you get older (Campbell et al 1997, Day et al 2002, Wolf et al1996).
At Boundless Health we train muscles with movements similar to activities you perform every day. When you get home you will find the real benefit. These activities will become easier and take less effort.
What's more you will feel a lot safer, as you do things at home or at work, using the right muscles with the correct posture. You body will feel switched on and ready for action.
If you want to keep your balance, as you get older then contact us and join in the fun at Boundless Health.
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