Though the idea of staying upright seems to be something we can do without thinking about it, this is not the case as we age. Over time, our bodies just aren't as capable of maintaining our posture and our balance. Though some might simply chalk this up to the aging process, something which can not be stopped, this is far from the truth. In fact, the more you do now to help correct your balance, the steadier the rest of your life will be – and the benefits are more than just a smooth gait and a graceful entrance into any room.

Why Your Balance Diminishes

As our bodies begin to age, they begin to break down. When this happens, our vertigo can begin to falter. We might have troubles keeping steady as the structures in our inner ears aren't functioning as well as they once did. But what's even more common is that we're simply not moving around as much as we used to. When this happens, our muscles aren't as strong and we're just not able to keep our bodies in the correct positions, leading to unsteadiness. In addition, our muscles can also tighten up from less use. This lack of flexibility causes us to move awkwardly, which can then feel as though we are losing our balance – though it might not be the case. A lack of strength on one side of our bodies (i.e. one dominant hand or arm) can also make us feel as though we aren't functioning in a symmetrical way.


Sometimes this progression of a lack of balance happens over the course of many months and even years, but for some, it can seem to happen overnight when they have other physical problems. If you begin to notice significant changes in your balance in a short period of time, you need to see your doctor and possibility a neurologist to find out what the problem might be. Even a slight ear infection can cause balance troubles as well.

Good Balance = Good Health

We take our balance for granted most days. We think that when we want to move from Point A to Point B, we should simply be able to do so. But when we are lacking coordination and balance, a number of disastrous things can occur. For example, if you're unable to steady yourself, you might find that you are more prone to falls and to accidents. And while you might be able to stop yourself from falling, chances are good that as you age, stopping yourself can become more problematic. In fact, this is the reason why many older people have troubles with broken hips or other injuries – they just don't have the balance they once did.

In addition, when you have good balance, you are using your muscles in the proper manner, which helps to prevent muscle fatigue and muscle strains. In doing so, you will prevent pain from being a part of your everyday life, and this then leads you to be able to stay active.

Ways to Prevent Unsteadiness

Of course, the next question you might have is how you can regain your balance or prevent balance loss. It's actually quite simple. What you need to do is to find ways to incorporate exercises that involve using your core muscles to help steady yourself. And with practice, you will begin to engage these core muscles, which will help you stay on your feet.

Here are some exercises which are recommended by doctors and physical therapists:

• Pilates – Since Pilates exercises involve using the core muscles to keep the body inn a healthy position, they work well to help those who might have troubles with balance and with unsteadiness. Many of the exercises are also done on the floor, helping you slowly build up your balance before you attempt exercises which require more balance.
• Yoga – By engaging the core muscles and forcing you to practice your balance in certain positions, Yoga is the perfect antidote to troubles with your balance. You will also encourage more flexibility, which allows you to further enhance your body mechanics.
• Balance ball and Bosu exercises – By using a balance ball or a Bosu ball (this looks like an exercise ball cut in half), you will learn to engage your core whenever you move your body during the exercises.
• Weight training – When you strengthen your muscles, you will be able to maintain a more correct posture in any movement you choose to do.
• Balance boards – Nowadays, there are also balance boards that work specifically on your balance. By standing on these boards, you need to adjust your body to keep the board straight. Sure, this might be difficult at first, but over time, it becomes easier.

Some video game exercise programs also offer balance exercises, so this might be a fun way to fit in exercise for your balance too.

By taking the time to prevent balance loss, you can increase your chances of staying healthy and injury-free as you age. You don't have to be another statistic when you take the time to protect your body long before it needs assistance.

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