Healthy Aging - Balance!
I know I have written about this particular topic before, but it is so important I want to expand on it some more. Healthy balance is not just good for the elderly. It is vital for all ages! Improving balance helps keep us from running into things as we are much more aware of where we are in space. It also makes falls less likely and injuries might heal faster because less damage is done. The Dorsal Columns are the areas of your nervous system that control position sense . This is the system that helps you touch your finger to your nose with your eyes closed. The medical term for this is proprioception . You use a combination of memory and proprioception (position sense) every time you drive your car. How else can you look ahead at the road and still be able to find the pedals at your feet without looking?! When this part of your nervous system is weak people have a greater problem balancing , have increased incidences of ankle sprains , and even run into doorframes!