My progressive eyeglasses affect my balance, I swear!! I find myself very unsure walking especially in new places and always looking down to see where to take my next steps. I tried bifocals but couldn’t get used to those either. Perhaps when I have cataract surgery, there will be improvement.
@jillyg They are! My understanding (and experience!) is that they are particularly disruptive on stairs and going down curbs. In progressives, the area of good vision is small, usually the bottom part, center, of your glasses, and you have to slow down and get that area centered more on the step to get the best clarity. And use railings! My PT said that it's much more dangerous (other than right when you're upon stairs or curbs) to be looking straight down as you walk. She said our brains are excellent at mapping and we should scan ahead 20 feet to register upcoming tripping hazards, then as we approach something tricky, to look down and navigate over it. I've found this to be extremely helpftul! Give it a try on a walk.
@jillyg They are! My understanding (and experience!) is that they are particularly disruptive on stairs and going down curbs. In progressives, the area of good vision is small, usually the bottom part, center, of your glasses, and you have to slow down and get that area centered more on the step to get the best clarity. And use railings! My PT said that it's much more dangerous (other than right when you're upon stairs or curbs) to be looking straight down as you walk. She said our brains are excellent at mapping and we should scan ahead 20 feet to register upcoming tripping hazards, then as we approach something tricky, to look down and navigate over it. I've found this to be extremely helpftul! Give it a try on a walk.
@angela2932, I live in an area that has uneven pavement, no sidewalks until I get about 8 blocks away, and lot of rocks and debris on the road. Looking 20 feet ahead can cause me to miss a rock that I trip on (not might, I have). It’s a wonderful idea but might not work for everyone.
@angela2932, I live in an area that has uneven pavement, no sidewalks until I get about 8 blocks away, and lot of rocks and debris on the road. Looking 20 feet ahead can cause me to miss a rock that I trip on (not might, I have). It’s a wonderful idea but might not work for everyone.
@tillymack, I don’t drive, never had a license. I’m dependent on public transportation, walking, ride sharing, and when the weather is good, my bicycle (which isn’t good for grocery shopping).
Check out More Life Health on YouTube. These videos are designed for seniors and demonstrated by a physiotherapist in Australia. There are 12 categories of exercises one being for Balance: https://morelifehealth.com/balance-exercise-videos
@angela2932, I live in an area that has uneven pavement, no sidewalks until I get about 8 blocks away, and lot of rocks and debris on the road. Looking 20 feet ahead can cause me to miss a rock that I trip on (not might, I have). It’s a wonderful idea but might not work for everyone.
@hraka13
I saw a video of a playground in China that had a large area covered with uneven rocks. Lots of old folks were walking on the rocks as a form of exercise that was intended to stimulate balance responses.
It sounds like your neighborhood is offering you a special opportunity!
(Nordic poles may be a good safety precaution.)
Check out More Life Health on YouTube. These videos are designed for seniors and demonstrated by a physiotherapist in Australia. There are 12 categories of exercises one being for Balance: https://morelifehealth.com/balance-exercise-videos
@tillymack Thanks so much I definitely will check it out as I need to find exercises I can do at home as I have other health issues that makes it hard for me to go out for these. Ty again.
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@jillyg They are! My understanding (and experience!) is that they are particularly disruptive on stairs and going down curbs. In progressives, the area of good vision is small, usually the bottom part, center, of your glasses, and you have to slow down and get that area centered more on the step to get the best clarity. And use railings! My PT said that it's much more dangerous (other than right when you're upon stairs or curbs) to be looking straight down as you walk. She said our brains are excellent at mapping and we should scan ahead 20 feet to register upcoming tripping hazards, then as we approach something tricky, to look down and navigate over it. I've found this to be extremely helpftul! Give it a try on a walk.
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4 Reactions@angela2932, I live in an area that has uneven pavement, no sidewalks until I get about 8 blocks away, and lot of rocks and debris on the road. Looking 20 feet ahead can cause me to miss a rock that I trip on (not might, I have). It’s a wonderful idea but might not work for everyone.
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3 Reactions@hraka13
Can you drive the 8 blocks to a safer environment for walking?
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2 Reactions@tillymack, I don’t drive, never had a license. I’m dependent on public transportation, walking, ride sharing, and when the weather is good, my bicycle (which isn’t good for grocery shopping).
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3 ReactionsRecommendations for simple balance exercises for 83 year old woman?
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1 ReactionCheck out More Life Health on YouTube. These videos are designed for seniors and demonstrated by a physiotherapist in Australia. There are 12 categories of exercises one being for Balance:
https://morelifehealth.com/balance-exercise-videos
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3 Reactions@surechamp, check with your local senior center to see if they have chair exercises. They can help build strength and balance.
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1 Reaction@hraka13
I saw a video of a playground in China that had a large area covered with uneven rocks. Lots of old folks were walking on the rocks as a form of exercise that was intended to stimulate balance responses.
It sounds like your neighborhood is offering you a special opportunity!
(Nordic poles may be a good safety precaution.)
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@tillymack Thanks so much I definitely will check it out as I need to find exercises I can do at home as I have other health issues that makes it hard for me to go out for these. Ty again.
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2 ReactionsWork on balance…..try to avoid multitasking/distractions….use a cane or Nordic poles if that helps….just a few thoughts…