Exercise and Fitness Archive

Many factors can impair balance and lead to falls, such as vision, hearing, or joint problems; medication side effects; and environmental hazards. To improve balance and reduce the risk for falls, one can remove fall hazards from the home, treat underlying conditions that increase fall risk, consider adjusting medications that affect balance, get physical therapy, use an assistive walking device, wear supportive shoes that hold the feet in place, and frequently challenge balance with balance exercises.

A study published online Aug. 20, 2021, by Nature Metabolism suggests that the hormone irisin, produced during exercise, might have something to do with the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain. Scientists suspect that irisin plays a role protecting the brain against changes characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, possibly by reducing brain inflammation. Irisin has also been shown to turn white fat cells (which store fat) into brown fat cells (which burn fat), and also to improve insulin resistance. Such changes reduce body weight and protect against both diabetes and heart disease.

Obesity is a complex disease, and many factors contribute to weight gain and hinder efforts to lose weight. There is no single solution to weight loss, but there is good research that yoga may help manage stress, improve mood, curb emotional eating, and create a community of support, all of which can help with weight loss and maintenance.

Many physical abilities decline with age, along with changes that occur in coordinating the movements of the body. One of the most significant causes of this decline is reduced physical activity. In fact, as people age it becomes even more important to exercise regularly, and regular activity can help improve strength and coordination.