Walk Your Way to Better Balance

Many seniors know a fall could threaten their independence and way of life. Common injuries include to the head, hip fractures, and in the most extreme cases death. Experts explain balance declines as we age as well as can be affected by medications and medical conditions, lack of flexibility and uncorrected vision problems. This is why medical experts encourage seniors to work on maintaining and improving balance.

The Harvard Medical School says one of the simplest ways to improve balance is with exercises like walking, strength training and workouts targeted to improve stability. However, before beginning any new exercise regime, consult your healthcare provider.

When beginning a walking plan, whether you are active or sedentary, experts say to remember minutes walked are more important than number of miles. If you are unused to exercise, start slowly. Also, wear good walking shoes, and if you normally use a cane or walker, use it. Experts say it is safer to walk with a buddy and to bring along a cell phone. Walk in a place with an even surface, and especially in the beginning, stay close to home. Once you start feeling more confident, add more minutes to your routine.

For seniors who are already walking, try adding a few more minutes to your routine or a more challenging route. Experts say the overall goal should be to do at least 150 minutes a week. To add strength training exercises and workouts to improve balance, ask your doctor for advice on how to get started.

At MorningStar of Hillsboro, residents enjoy carefree retirement years as we handle the maintenance and provide onsite luxury amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends. Along with a swimming pool, fitness center and exercise classes, we offer walking paths on our beautiful grounds. In addition, hiking opportunities are minutes away at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. If you are looking at retirement communities in Hillsboro, OR, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.

MorningStar of Kirkland offers the very best in independent living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more about one of the finest retirement communities Hillsboro, OR has to offer.

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