Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes
Welcome again to this particular collection that includes the tales of the Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes as they pursue their health targets in 2022. You’ll find all of our Sponsored Athletes’ tales right here.
Sally Saenger, 66, is a aggressive surfer, health teacher, and a brand new member of the Senior Planet group of health trainers! Get to know Sally right here, and skim on for her useful recommendation on overcoming the worry of falling. Then, be part of us right here on Wednesday, August 17 at 3pm EDT for a dwell session on steadiness with Sally by way of Zoom.
As an energetic particular person (and somebody who needs to remain that approach), I’m very involved in regards to the threat of falling and hurting myself. However, I don’t let the worry of falling rule my life.
I nonetheless surf, hike, dance and swim — there’s no worry of falling with swimming! — and I’m not afraid to stroll on uneven surfaces, or go up and down hills. As an older grownup, the primary distinction for me now’s that I must pay extra consideration whereas doing actions the place there’s a threat of falling. Being extra attentive whereas I’m energetic is a small worth to pay as a way to preserve doing the issues that assist me keep match and convey me pleasure.
Problem your means to steadiness
Bodily exercise is a cornerstone of a wholesome way of life. But as we age, being energetic comes with a better threat of falling. There are a number of elements in steadiness that are likely to weaken and decelerate with age: power, agility, decision-making, and response time. Moreover, the flexibility to tolerate stress and environmental extremes diminishes in our later years. All of those elements contribute to an elevated threat of falling.
“You possibly can mitigate the results of growing old by selecting a wholesome way of life that features train frequently.”
However there’s excellent news! You possibly can mitigate the results of growing old by selecting a wholesome way of life that features train frequently. Inside that train routine ought to be actions that particularly problem your means to steadiness. I educate an internet class by means of Senior Planet on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 1pm ET referred to as “Power and Stability” — I hope you’ll be part of us someday!
Use it or lose it
Steadiness is a ability that must be practiced. The acquainted adage “use it or lose it” undoubtedly applies to steadiness. Sadly, as we age, we are usually much less energetic, which makes us extra vulnerable to falling. You may need to rethink demanding actions like skateboarding and mountaineering, however that doesn’t imply you must surrender on all sports activities or actions you’ve loved prior to now.
“Interact within the actions you take pleasure in, and be ‘within the second’ with further attentiveness and consciousness as a way to safely take part.”
Interact within the actions you take pleasure in, and be “within the second” with further attentiveness and consciousness as a way to safely take part. This may occasionally imply modifying an train or motion, utilizing a software, or going slower to make it attainable. Adjusting your approach is preferable to sitting on the sofa lamenting that you could’t do one thing since you may fall.
An angle of gratitude
“Your angle performs an necessary function in sustaining and constructing self-confidence.”
By the best way, modification pertains to your psychological state as effectively. Your angle performs an necessary function in sustaining and constructing self-confidence. Confidence in motion is half the battle with steadiness and stability. Apply an “angle of gratitude” to what you’re capable of do now. Then, while you accomplish one thing past your traditional capabilities, give your self a pat on the again for a job effectively carried out!
You may have the facility
You may have the facility to convey the worry of falling to a manageable degree. Being conscious of a threat is completely different than being guided by worry. So bear in mind:
- Take part within the actions you take pleasure in with an consciousness of the dangers, and be further attentive throughout the exercise.
- Do purposeful workout routines that deal with your steadiness expertise frequently.
These two behaviors, together with a constructive angle, go a great distance towards protecting you energetic and having fun with life absolutely!
Seeking to discover the advantages of higher steadiness? Be part of me right here on Wednesday, August 17 at 3pm for a enjoyable Senior Planet presentation, the place you’ll study easy methods to enhance your steadiness and reduce the chance of falling.
In want of somewhat motivation to get shifting? Be part of our each day well being and wellness applications, keep tuned to the most recent information and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly e-newsletter, and observe us on social media (Fb | Twitter | Instagram) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. You may simply discover a new love for health alongside the best way!