Balance Archive

Plyometric training involves short, intense bursts of activity that target fast-twitch muscle fibers in the lower body that generate power for increased speed and jumping height. Doing plyometric exercises can boost strength, power, and agility.

For many people, attacks of vertigo recur periodically. The attacks are usually caused by a disorder of the balance (vestibular) system. Examples of balance disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), cervical vertigo, Meniere's disease, and vestibular migraine. Treatment for recurring vertigo involves getting the underlying cause under control; seeking physical therapy tailored to people with balance disorders; and (for people with BPPV) doing a particular maneuver to reposition loose debris in the ear canal.

Daily brisk walking is great for health, and adding a few simple moves or tools can make it even better. To boost balance, it helps to occasionally walk heel-to-toe during the walk or turn sideways and take 10 side steps. To promote healthy bones and muscles, it helps to wear a weighted vest on a walk. To boost heart health, it helps to add arm raises during the walk or periodically jog for 30 seconds to a minute.

Yoga has modest yet positive effects on several factors linked to cardiovascular health, including lower blood pressure and lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol. The postures, breathing, and meditation practices inherent in yoga help cultivate the relaxation response, which trains the body to be less reactive during times of stress. People new to yoga should seek out a beginner, gentle, or chair yoga class, especially those who are over 65 or who have any medical conditions.

A new study finds that many people with obesity avoid exercising because they fear their weight makes injury more likely. But everyone, at every weight, can find ways to exercise safely, confidently, and joyfully.

As with a financial portfolio, older adults should routinely review their wellness portfolio to ensure their health investments meet their short-and long-term goals. Working with their doctor, personal trainer, and nutritionist, they can identify areas that require changes and implement new strategies. Older men often don't make investments in strength training, balance, and their mental health, but should.

A 2022 study found a 31% reduction in Americans' use of prescription sleep aids from 2013 to 2018. The drop-off was even sharper among people 80 and older, who were 86% less likely to use FDA-approved sleep drugs by the end of the study period.

Every second, someone age 65 or older suffers a fall, making it the No. 1 cause of injury-related death among this age group. The best way for older adults to protect themselves is to address the three main physical conditions that contribute to falls: weak stabilizer muscles, poor core strength, and balance issues. They can do this by improving their side-to-side motion through specific exercises and playing racquet sports, doing abdominal exercises, and practicing tai chi.

Concussions occur when the brain bumps or twists inside the skull after a blow to the head. Signs of concussion include headache, eye pain or fatigue, neck pain or stiffness, imbalance, impaired depth perception, difficulty remembering, or sleep pattern changes.