Mastering Mobility: Healthy Aging Through Gait Awareness
Walking is our most basic method of transportation, but changes to our normal human gait can increase our risk of stubbing our toe, leading to a fall and joint pain, and can impact our independence. Healthy aging for seniors also requires attention to gait.
Human Gait is a person's pattern of walking. Walking involves balance and coordination of muscles so that the body is propelled forward in a rhythm called the stride.
Focusing on the four phases of the gait cycle while on your daily walk can make a big difference. 1) push-off (heel-up to toe-off), 2) leg swing, 3) heel-strike, 4) level-hip stance.
With regular practice, a correction can often be accomplished in as little as six weeks. Try exercises such as lifting your legs, sitting to stand, stepping over objects, and holding furniture that doesn’t move.
