Poor Posture in Older Adults

It's not fun getting older. But looking at my three 87 year-old women who take my Osteofit class, I can see, that it does not have to be all bad. The three women are tall, have reasonably good posture and have been coming to my exercise class for at least the 9 years that I have been teaching it, and longer. Even more importantly, they are vigorous, healthy and going strong. Exercising regularly is keeping them that way.

Poor posture is prevalent in older adults (especially sedentary ones). As we age, it is common for the head to move forward and the shoulders to round, which can cause chronic back and neck pain. Our swift, sure stride is replaced with a sort of shuffle. Kyphotic posture can increase the risk of falling. Years of inattention to how the head and shoulders are positioned can lead to tight pectoral muscles and weak upper-back and neck muscles, which can result in postural kyphosis. At the same time, the Achilles tendon and hamstrings become tight, feet begin to shuffle and scuff the ground - lead to more falls.

By incorporating some stretches and strengthening exercises you can improve your posture and maintain your health. Did you know: (www.bcrpa, 2011)

. nearly 39 million Americans were 65 years or older in 2008 (2010)
. 13% of US population
. by 2050, this group will be 20%
. with age comes sarcopenia (age-related loss of skeletal muscle), impaired balance and decreased range of motion.

In my next blog I will present exercises to address postural issues.

Let's connect at info@gaiaadventures.com. Let me know how your training is going.

Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures (Personal Training, Workshops)
www.gaiaadventures.com
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