Flourish

Flourish: Know Your Balance System

2/2/2022

A study published by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that two-thirds of older adults have two or more sensory deficits (hearing, vision, touch, etc.).

Image of a brain with abstract shapes

Good balance depends upon your sensory system, your brain and your muscles and joints.

  1. Your sensory systems (vision, inner ear and sense of touch in your skin) provide information about your body's position and movement in your environment.
  2. Your brain processes the information from your sensory system.
  3. Your muscles and joints provide flexibility, strength and endurance to coordinate the movements required to safely maintain your balance.

Learn more about the balance system

“If you’re feeling weakness in your legs and arms, make a plan for strengthening your muscles. Juniper’s evidence-based exercise classes are a great way to get started.”
— Holly Klink, nurse practitioner Sanford Health, Worthington, MN

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