Having Good Balance is a Critical Component of Healthy Aging
FYZICAL- FL
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Fyzcial Balance and Therapy Centers
Jul 21, 2021
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest
Email US
Click to Email Us
Having good balance is a critical component of healthy aging. Everyday activities like reaching for your coffee cup, bending down to pick up the paper, putting on your shoes, and getting up from a chair require subtle shifts in your body's weight distribution. A healthy sense of balance allows you to hold your position or move at will during these weight fluctuations without falling.
Gravity is constantly pulling you downward, giving you the tendency to fall, but your ability to balance prevents this from happening. Balance control is a complex physiological process and, just as with muscles, if you don't use it, you lose it. As the body ages, muscle strength, joint range of motion, and reaction time all decrease. These factors can have a negative effect on an older persons balance control and may lead to balance dysfunction a factor linked to falls among the elderly.
Falls from poor balance can cause serious, and even life-threatening, injuries. In fact, according to the CDC, accidental falls are the leading cause of death among older adults. Each year, one in three adults over the age of 65 falls, and the risk of falling increases proportionately with age at80 years, over half of seniors fall annually1. Recovery from a fall can sometimes take at least a year in a long-term facility, with some patients never returning to their homes. Among this age group, falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence, and injury deaths. Most of the fractures caused by falling are in the arm, hand, ankle, spine, pelvis, and hip, with hip fractures being one of the most serious types of fall injury, often resulting in long-term functional impairment, nursing home admission, and increased mortality One out of five hip fracture patients dies within a year of their injury.
In fact, falls account for 25% of all hospital admissions, and 40% of all nursing home admissions 40% of those admitted to nursing homes do not return to independent living; 25% die within a year.
These statistics are pretty grim but don' t for a minute think that there's nothing you can do about it or that it wont happen to you. Perhaps you believe that if you limit your activities and become even more sedentary that your chances of falling will decrease (not true!). If you think you can avoid falling as long as you stay at home, know this: The majority of all falls take place inside the home5. Those who do fall are two-to-three-times more likely to fall again, and many people who fall, even if they are not seriously injured, develop a fear of falling.
Injuries from falls, reduced mobility and activity, and the fear of falling can significantly reduce your quality of life, making you dependent on others and taking away your freedom to move and live independently.
But here's the good news: Falls are preventable. Falling is not an inevitable result of aging, and there are steps you can take to improve your balance and decrease your chances of falling.
Muscle strength and flexibility, which are an imperative part of maintaining good balance, decrease with age, especially for sedentary adults, but these can be partially restored with the right physical therapy program.
Studies have shown that attention to certain risk factors, such as impaired balance, can significantly reduce rates of falling. Considerable evidence indicates that the most effective fall reduction programs involve systematic fall risk assessment and targeted interventions6.
Additional research reveals that a physical therapist-prescribed exercise program targeting balance and strength can be effective in improving a number of balance and related outcomes in older people with mild balance impairment.
At FYZICAL, we have a comprehensive Balance Program that includes assessment and evaluation programs, balance retraining, and vestibular rehabilitation. With balance retraining and vestibular rehabilitation, our goal is to improve balance function and visual-motor control, increase general activity levels, and help your body compensate for inner ear disorders. We utilize a state-of-the-art balance machine and our balance therapy programs have a 99% balance improvement success rate.
As balance dysfunction can sometimes cause problems with walking, we also have a Gait Training program. Gait training consists of making sure that your manner of walking is as effective, sure-footed, and safe as it possibly can be. A balanced, steady gait helps in the prevention of falls and injuries. Strength, endurance, motion, balance, and coordination are all components of an effective gait and our certified physical therapists work with patients to help them reach their goal of safe mobility.
Improving your balance can reduce your risk of falling, so make it a priority to get a balance assessment test from your doctor or a certified Physical Therapist. Then, find a physical therapy facility that employs aqua therapy. Once that's complete, a program of physical therapy specifically tailored to your balance needs will be created so you can begin your quest to regain your footing, your confidence, and your freedom.
1 Falls Among Older Adults: An Overview, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adultfalls.html
2 Ibid.
3 Hip Fractures Among Older Adults, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreaionalSafety/Falls/adulthipfx.html
4 How Often Falls Occur, Learn Not to Fall, http://www.learnnottofall.com/content/fall-facts/how-often.jsp
5 Where Seniors Fall, Learn Not to Fall,http://www.learnnottofall.com/content/fall-facts/where-seniors-fall.jsp6 Judy A. Stevens, A CDC Compendium of Effective Fall Interventions: What Works for Community-Dwelling Older Adults,2nd Edition (Atlanta: CDC, 2010),1.
7 Xiao Jing Yang, et al., Effectiveness of a Targeted Exercise Intervention in Reversing Older Peoples Mild Balance Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Physical Therapy, 92 (2012).
8 Noh DK, et al., The Effect of Aquatic Therapy on Postural Balance and Muscle Strength in Stroke Survivors A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial, PubMed: ClinRehabil, 2088 (10-11),http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18955428
9 MelissaGaskil, Finding the Way,TodayinPT.com
Other Articles You May Like
A Special Visit: Meals on Wheels America President & CEO Joins Florida Chapter Conference
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
Help Fight Summer Hunger in Manatee County
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
Celebrating the Heart of Our Mission: Volunteer Luncheon Honors Our Outstanding Volunteers
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
Local Services By This Author
FYZICAL
Rehabilitation Services , Sarasota, Florida, 00000We are much more than your typical physical therapy clinic. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we focus on improving your quality of life by using a holistic, whole-body approach to connect your diagnosis with a customized plan of care. FYZICAL therapists are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of the human body. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions .In addition to using the most relevant therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art technology, effective communication is a key component for successful, efficient recovery. We make sure you fully understand why you are experiencing your symptoms, what is the recommended treatment program, and how to prevent pain or dysfunction from happening in the future. The comprehensive evaluation and wellness programs at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers will help you achieve the pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries and feel better. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused on your optimal health so you can Love Your Life! FYZICAL Bonita Springs25241 Elementary Way, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135(239) 947-4184 (239) 947-4171 bonitasprings@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an AppointmentFYZICAL Northeast Naples7740 Preserve Ln, Suite 5, Naples, FL, 34119(239) 227-2297 (239) 228-4878 northeastnaples@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an AppointmentFYZICAL East Naples12250 Tamiami Trail E, Suite 102, East Naples, FL, 34113(239) 417-0027 eastnaples@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an AppointmentFYZICAL East Fort Myers10676 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, 33913(239) 465-4880 eastfortmyers@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an AppointmentFYZICAL Fort Myers Metro13010 Metro Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL, 33966(239) 561-5616 fortmyersmetro@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an AppointmentFYZICAL South Fort Myers18070 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 15, Fort Myers, FL, 33908(239) 344-4448 southfortmyers@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an AppointmentFYZICAL West Fort Myers15620 McGregor Blvd, Suite 115, Fort Myers, FL, 33908(239) 454-6262 westfortmyers@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an AppointmentFYZICAL North Fort Myers16251 N Cleveland Ave, Suite 3, North Fort Myers, FL, 33903(239) 731-6222 northfortmyers@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an AppointmentFYZICAL North Port13871 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL, 34287(941) 423-5668 (941) 423-5669 northport@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an AppointmentFYZICAL Port Charlotte17751 Murdock Cir, Port Charlotte, FL, 33948(941) 743-8700 (941) 743-8850 portcharlotte@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an AppointmentFYZICAL Imperial12840 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 200, Naples, FL, 34110(239) 592-5500 (239) 592-1614 imperial@fyzical.comVisit WebsiteRequest an Appointment
FYZICAL
Physicians , Sarasota, Florida,We are much more than your typical physical therapy clinic. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we focus on improving your quality of life by using a holistic, whole-body approach toconnectyour diagnosiswith acustomizedplan of care.FYZICAL therapists are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of the human body. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions.In addition to using the most relevant therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art technology, effective communication is a key component for successful, efficientrecovery. We make sure you fully understand why you are experiencing your symptoms, what is the recommended treatment program, and how to prevent pain or dysfunction from happening in the future.The comprehensiveevaluationand wellness programs at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers will help youachievethe pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries and feel better. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused onyouroptimal health so you can Love Your Life!FYZICAL Ellenton2990 US-301 N, Ellenton, FL, 34222(941) 721-1854 (941) 721-1859 ellenton@fyzical.com Hours of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL Bradenton Central5211 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34209(941) 749-1734 bradenton@fyzical.com Hours of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL University Parkway2401 University Parkway, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL, 34243(941) 444-5970 (941) 444-5971 Universityparkway@fyzical.comHours of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL South Sarasota5980 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34231(941) 894-6848 (941) 263-7491 southsarasota@fyzical.com Hours of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 7:20am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 7:20am - 4:20pm Fri 8am - 4:20pm Sat By Appointment Only Sun ClosedFYZICAL Venice2203 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 34293(941) 408-0670 (941) 408-0160 venice@fyzical.com Hours of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun Closed
FYZICAL
Physical Therapy , Sarasota, Florida, 00000We are much more than your typical physical therapy clinic. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we focus on improving your quality of life by using a holistic, whole-body approach to connect your diagnosis with a customized plan of care. FYZICAL therapists are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of the human body. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions .In addition to using the most relevant therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art technology, effective communication is a key component for successful, efficient recovery. We make sure you fully understand why you are experiencing your symptoms, what is the recommended treatment program, and how to prevent pain or dysfunction from happening in the future. The comprehensive evaluation and wellness programs at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers will help you achieve the pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries and feel better. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused on your optimal health so you can Love Your Life! FYZICAL Ellenton2990 US-301 N, Ellenton, FL, 34222(941) 721-1854 (941) 721-1859 ellenton@fyzical.comHours of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL Bradenton Central5211 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34209(941) 749-1734 bradenton@fyzical.comHours of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL University Parkway2401 University Parkway, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL, 34243(941) 444-5970 (941) 444-5971 Universityparkway@fyzical.comHours of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL South Sarasota5980 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34231(941) 894-6848 (941) 263-7491 southsarasota@fyzical.comHours of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 7:20am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 7:20am - 4:20pm Fri 8am - 4:20pm Sat By Appointment Only Sun ClosedFYZICAL Venice2203 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 34293(941) 408-0670 (941) 408-0160 venice@fyzical.comHours of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun Closed