Age, balance and head injuries

As we age our balance and subsequent ability to recover from a stumble diminish. We take longer to realize that we are out of balance and longer to effectively react. We are much more likely to fall. This is especially true for we who are 65 or older. Falls are the leading cause of death for folks 65 or older. Oddly enough weight training reduces this balance/recovery decline.
TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injury) also increase with age. Our brains become more fragile. To make it worse, we are as much as twice as likely to die from a TBI. 81% of TBIs in those of us over 65 are caused by falls.

If you find this alarming, well --- so do I. However, it is better to know the “stats” before learning them personally and becoming a datum point within them.

So, lift weights, do Tai Chi, dance or Yoga to help maintain and perhaps even improve your balance. Don’t fall down ;o)
And please consider wearing a helmet when you ride.

Joe

A couple of links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traumatic_brain_injury
TBI: Get the Facts | Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injury | CDC Injury Center