Posture Exercises for Seniors

Bad posture is a common concern among many individuals, especially seniors. Seniors can easily fall prey to injuries, pain, and other issues because of bad posture.

By using posture exercises for seniors, you practice good posture and improve your posture, which in turn can help you retain strength and balance and help you to keep your independence for longer as a senior individual.

The Benefits of Having a Good Posture

Your posture changes as you age because you basically “shrink” with age.

Having poor posture is not uncommon as you age. This is because, after age fifty, your vertebrae and discs start to break down and thin, affecting your posture.

On the other hand, the cartilage and connective tissues in your spine start to deteriorate as you age and lose their thickness and elasticity. All this can make it quite difficult for you to stand up straight at the end of the day.

Having a good posture holds so many benefits for you as a senior;

• It reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke by allowing proper blood flow.
• A good posture will improve your cognitive functions because a properly aligned spine can boost communication between neurotransmitters.
• Proper posture increases blood circulation and oxygen levels in your body, improving your mood and fighting depression.
• When you have a good posture, all your organs are free to operate properly and not compressed, which helps with good digestion.
• Poor posture causes the ligaments in the back and body to work harder than they should, which can lead to early Osteoarthritis or Osteoporosis.
• Maintaining your balance properly becomes much easier when you have a good Posture.

Some Tips to Improve Your Posture

• Exercise – Regular exercising will strengthen your muscles and improve your posture.
• Improve Your Balance – Using routines such as Yoga or Pilates improves your balance and, thus, your posture.
• Weight Management – Keeping your weight down will prevent excess strain on your back that can lead to poor posture.
• Ergonomic Chairs – Use proper ergonomic chairs and recliners for sitting and lounging. They support your spine in a proper posture.
• Sleep Correctly – Make sure your head is always level with your neck when you sleep on your side. You can also sleep on your back. You can use proper supportive pillows.
• Supportive Bed – A supportive mattress and bed will offer the right cushioning to keep you comfortable and firm enough to support your back and posture.
• Do not Sleep on Your Stomach – Never sleep on your stomach. This is one of the worst positions for your posture, back, and neck. It will lead to many issues and pain.
• Always stand up Staright – Try to remind yourself to pull your back straight and stand or walk in a straight position when you walk or stand. Keep reminding yourself, as it takes time and training before you get used to it.
• Chairs with Backs – Try to use a chair with a back for sitting rather than a backless chair so that your back and spine are always properly aligned.
• Lift Your Head Up – Do not keep your head down or up, but centered in proper form. Make sure when you work or watch television that your eyes look straight forward and your head is in a proper position, as this, too, affects your posture.

Here are a few Easy Exercises that will Improve Your Posture

Chin Tucks and Jilts

Chin Tucks and Jilts can be done while you are seated or standing. It works on stacking the vertebrae in your spine and neck in proper alignment. Sit up straight. Pull your chin back to make a double chin. Now, gently jut it back forward in the opposite direction.

Wall Tilts

With the wall tilt, you will stand with your back against the wall. Place one hand behind your lower back, and push in your pelvis, causing your lower back to flatten. Keep your head, shoulders, and back against the wall. You can also do this exercise seated.
Wall Arm Circles

Another method for the wall arm circle is to stand with your back towards the wall and walk out your feet so you have around six inches between your heels and the wall. Now lean back against the wall, and tuck in your pelvis so your lower back touches the wall. Pull your shoulders and head back to touch the wall. Now slowly lift your arms over your head, and lower them down again, keeping them touched with the wall.

Scapular Retraction

This is an easy routine you can also do by pulling a resistance band placed around a chair or door frame. However, the easy method is to stand straight, hands behind your sides, elbows slightly bent. Pull your shoulder back and down as far as possible, and hold and release. Repeat the exercise.

Bird Dog

For the bird dog, you need to start on your hands and knees with your back straight. I’m looking forward to it. Now lift your right leg and fully extend it, and then your left arm and fully extend it shoulder height. Bring the leg and arm back in again. Do the same on the other side.

To Conclude

By improving your posture, you can enjoy a much better quality of life and keep healthy and well-balanced with proper spinal alignment.