8 Comments
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Val Spiers's avatar

It’s easy to take balance for granted. I’m always looking for things that are within my control as I plan my life. Eating more protein and doing strength and balance exercises are intentionally part of my lifestyle. I enjoyed reading your research.

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Daria Diaz's avatar

You’re take charge attitude will serve you well, Val. Your lifestyle nutrition and movement choices will maintain your vitality and mobility. Thank you for reading my post. Welcome to the community. I look forward to hearing more about your journey.

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Erin's avatar
Jun 4Edited

Great article! And another recommendation that many people overlook until they’re old: age in a single story home on a piece of flat land (no steep driveway). Two story homes set you up for a slip or fall. Likewise railings alongside outdoor steps and no step-down or step-up levels. And showers not tubs.

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Daria Diaz's avatar

It’s always good to consider environmental factors and modifications, Erin. Thank you for pointing some of those out. I’m a proponent of hand rails on stairs and grab bars in showers for everyone, regardless of age. My brother, who was in good shape and in his 50s, fell in the shower. A grab bar would have prevented that, or at least minimized the damage.

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Patti Petersen's avatar

Great tips, nice read, thank you! Balance is the key to everything. I use a Bosu ball to practice balancing on. I try and go for a minute on each leg, sometimes two. It really helps keep things in check. If anything is out of alignment it shows up on the Bosu.

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Cherie Lee's avatar

Thanks, Daria! I appreciate the balance exercises! I've been doing PT for a torn meniscus and she had me doing some balance, but these will supplement that nicely. I agree, balance is essential!

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Daria Diaz's avatar

Having decent balance has saved me from injury and allows me to feel much more confident hiking on rough terrain. I do these exercises regularly, and they really make a difference.

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Daria Diaz's avatar

Yes, balance is critical regardless of age. Having decent balance has made a big difference in my confidence and mobility. I know I would have fallen many times if not for my ability to maintain my balance and catch myself.

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