Have you ever observed that you seem to get shorter as you age? In our 50s and 60s, we truly undergo a “shrinking” phenomenon and may lose up to an inch of height. What is the cause? And what, if anything, can we do about it? Good posture is supported by a solid foundation of strength, balance, and flexibility. Physical therapy may assist you in building and strengthening muscles and bones via a variety of exercises and stretches that support the musculoskeletal system, therefore improving your posture.
Why Proper Posture is Crucial for a Senior
It is true that as we age, our spines begin to shift. Over time, the vertebrae and discs that function as a cushion between the bones of your back begin to deteriorate and thin. Additionally, the cartilage and connective tissues in our spines might start to thin and lose suppleness. However frightening this may seem, there are strategies to guarantee we lose as little height as possible and maintain healthy spine bones. Maintaining appropriate posture throughout our lives is crucial for maintaining strong, straight backs.
Here are Steps for Better Posture
The importance of proper posture for elders is heightened. Taking the necessary precautions to maintain excellent posture will benefit you in the following ways:
- Maintain Stability. Focus on reducing your seniors’ risk of falling. Injuries, especially fractured bones, and other trauma, are most common after a fall, making this the top cause of injury for the elderly. There is less of a chance of elders falling when they are more aware of their posture.
- Prevent Osteoporosis. Over time, bad posture may cause degeneration of the spine and severe illnesses like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis because the muscles and ligaments in your back have to work too hard to support your body’s upright position.
- Reduce Risk of Heart Attacks or Strokes. When the blood doesn’t circulate correctly, the elderly are more likely to develop hypertension. This also increases their danger of developing diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
- De-stress a Depressed Senior. By supplying your cells with more oxygen, good posture boosts your mood and the way you feel about yourself. Standing and sitting taller have been linked to increased vitality and self-assurance in the elderly.
- Enhance a Senior’s Cognitive Function. A correctly oriented spine may help in communication between neurotransmitters and the brain, allowing for greater memory recall, but there is no evidence to suggest that good posture will postpone the development of dementia.
Best Ways to Improve Posture
Firstly, if you do not know how to teach your senior stretches, it’s crucial to find the right physical therapy. If a doctor is working with your senior, they may be able to help your senior find the right physical therapist to work on goals with your senior. It’s critical that the elderly take immediate action to correct their poor posture. As a first step, try to limit your time spent sitting.
Just getting up and moving about every once in a while can help keep your muscles loose. For this purpose, core workouts are ideal because of their benefits in maintaining balance, enhancing stability, and boosting strength. Try enrolling in a yoga or Pilates class geared at seniors. You should also consult a trainer about the best equipment for working your back extensors, side and pelvic muscles, and neck flexors at your local gym.