Heart of ida Vol 1 Iss 1

ness or joint pain. But more often
than not as we age our sensory
systems are likely to change. We
are more apt to have a change in
our vision as well as changes to
the eyes themselves. Our hearing
may be challenged and it becomes
unpleasant or disorienting
to go out to public spaces. We
may notice changes in our balance
due to a variety of factors. Don’t
ignore what is going on. Sensory
loss may come on slowly but that
doesn’t mean you can or should
avoid seeking help. It might cause
you to limit your activity because
you are fearful or uncomfortable in
surroundings outside your home.
7) Recliner?
Think Again.
Don’t get me wrong recliners have
their place, especially for medical
conditions. But make sure you are
going in the right direction when
altering your living room furniture
to accommodate a recliner.
Recliners are made for rest; and
they are very effective, so much
so, it is difficult to get out of them.
Make sure you have other supportive
seating in your home like
a captain’s chair with comfortable
cushion and arm rests. This type
of seating promotes good posture
and is easier to exit than a low
slung seat.
Where to start? Your neighborhood.
Walk your block every day.
As you get comfortable go a little
further, change direction, take different
routes and go new places.
In my neighborhood of Rose Park
we have Tai Chi class every Tuesday
morning and we are looking
forward to a bike boulevard along
6th St. next year. You are more
likely to connect with people you
know or might develop a relationship
with. Respect the days you
don’t feel so hot and remember
that rest, replenishment and recovery
are all part of staying active
as well. Support your friends and
family when they need encouragement.
We are in this together and
we are all each other’s best reason
to stay healthy and active!
24 AgeWell Long Beach | Spring 2017
Dr. Gretchen Swanson, DPT, MPH
Creator of the Long Beach based
Health & Function blog:
http://healthandfunction.blogspot.com/