As we age, something that we all will have in common, is that we will begin to see ways that our bodies can fail us. Activities that were once simple and required no thought, can be a rigorous as we move forward into our seventies and eighties. One of those activities that can give us a tough time during our elderly years, is walking, because falling is the number one action that can cause disability in older adults.
According to Harvard Medical School, a study that was conducted last September of 2016, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, states that walking or other forms of moderate exercise can help older adults remain mobile and steady on their feet. Researchers divided a group of 1600 adults age 70-89 to participate. At the beginning of the study, all of the adults were labeled as sedentary. One half of the group of the adults were given regular health education classes and some ideas for moderate exercises, the other half were put into a structured program, complete with scheduled exercise several days a week. The structured program included walking, balance and flexibility classes combined with strength training.
Both groups involved in the study, were monitored for three and a half years to record their progress. The study found that those on the structured exercise program lessened their risk of falling by 25% and increased their balance and flexibility. According to the Harvard Health Letter, the latter group that participated in a monitored exercise program, also improved their chances of recovery should they have a bad fall. While the more relaxed group who were left to their own devices, did not show any increas in their ability to recovery from a fall or multiple falls.
If you are within the age group of 70-89, visit your doctor and advise them that you would like to begin a structured exercise program so they can guide you as to what you can do or not do, concerning your present health condition. Overall, it is always wiser to move, walk, and dance as much as you can in your elder years. Even casual exercise a couple of times a week will help to keep you steady on your feet and more able to recover if something does happen to your ability to walk and be flexible in the elder years.