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In the bustling streets of Auckland, a silent epidemic goes largely unnoticed.
Look around the next time you’re at the supermarket or walking at the beach and you’ll see them. The elderly man clutching the shopping trolley a bit too tightly, the middle-aged woman whose eyes are fixed on the ground as she navigates the footpath.
These are the faces of balance insecurity, and they’re everywhere in our communities.
Balance isn’t merely about standing on one leg: it’s the foundation of our daily lives. Whether reaching for tea on the top shelf, or simply getting out of bed on a chilly morning, balance orchestrates nearly every movement we make. Unfortunately, as we age or recover from injuries, our balance can deteriorate, leading to falls, reduced mobility, and a decreased quality of life.
Balance is the result of multiple systems working together. Our eyes track our surroundings and spot hazards, while our inner ear detects head position and movement. Muscles throughout our body, especially in our legs and core, provide the power to keep us upright and our brain processes all this information, making split-second adjustments. Even our environment plays a crucial role – poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or distractions can challenge our balance. When any part of this system weakens or fails, our stability suffers.
Improving balance transforms lives, particularly as we age. Better balance means fewer falls and injuries – a critical benefit when a single fall can lead to months of recovery or permanent loss of independence.
Enhanced balance rebuilds confidence, allowing people to participate fully in family gatherings, community events, and everyday activities without fear. It preserves autonomy, enabling individuals to maintain their homes, shop independently, and travel safely.
A community challenge.
The good news? It’s never too late to start working on your balance, This can include improving strength, joint mobility, sensation, reaction times or reducing dizziness Whether recovering from injury, managing a neurological condition, or simply looking to maintain wellbeing as you age, small improvements can yield remarkable gains in confidence, independence, and quality of life.
Here are five balance exercises to try home to improve your balance:
• Standing up and sitting down with no hands – to work on strengthening; try from a lower chair if this feels too easy.
• Rising onto your toes – do this slowly up and down to challenge your balance and your strength. Try without using hands for support.
• Stand on one leg or with feet together. Set yourself up in a corner for safety. Add head turns or closed eyes for greater challenge.
• Walk on uneven surfaces to challenge balance in different ways. Consider grass or the beach terrain.
• Clock face weight shifts. Imagine a clock around you. Keep one foot centred while stepping the other to different “numbers.” Shift weight to the moving foot, then return to centre. Increase speed for difficulty.
These exercises provide general guidance. Please prioritise safety during all balance activities.
Sarah Hopkins is the owner of Hibiscus Neuro Rehab and a proud Hibiscus Coast local, where she combines her expertise as a Neuro Physiotherapist with her passion for holistic wellness to guide clients through their rehabilitation journeys.
