These days, we find ourselves sitting a lot, whether it’s watching TV, typing away at the computer, or talking amongst friends. A sedentary position can have serious implications for our posture, especially as we get older. But for seniors, encouraging the right posture can go a long way in maintaining both short- and long-term benefits.
Here are four tips for seniors to make sure your posture is up to speed:
Exercise
First and foremost: stay active. The less sitting down you do, the less you’ll have to worry about your posture being affected. Living a physically active lifestyle is one of the best ways to keep a healthy posture and strengthen your muscles, be it walking, running, swimming, or playing sports. Ask your physician what the right exercise is for your regimen.
Watch your weight
One of the biggest contributors to your posture is, surprisingly, your diet. Those who weigh more inflict pressure on their back and spinal column, both of which affect your posture immensely. The key is to stick to a steady diet, made up of healthy exercise and nutrition.
Be comfortable
If you have to sit down for extended periods of time, at least make sure that you’re relying on ergonomic seating. You need a chair that will support your upper and lower back, as well as keep your wrists straight. Trust us—you’ll feel the difference!
Do daily stretches
If you’re sitting down for a while, stretch every 20 minutes. Keep your balance in order with yoga, balance ball workouts, or squats. Sleep on your side, and lift your legs to get the blood flowing. Good posture won’t appear overnight, but these personal exercises will go a long way in getting you there.
If you have any questions about maintaining a healthy posture as a senior, feel free to contact us today. At BEK Medical, we’re always happy to help!
