Getting old and staying balanced on skis?

One of the “benefits” of growing old on skis is that our balance goes on vacation. Many older folks experience problems with balance and dizziness. This can be caused by certain medications, inner ear or labyrinth problems. 

For example, when the labyrinth becomes inflamed, it will cause vertigo and imbalance. Likewise certain ear diseases or infections can lead to that condition. Same thing if your ski day begins with alcohol in the blood, or if your lunch break includes a bottle of wine at 8,500 feet, you’ll experience dizziness and balance problems that affect that same inner ear. 

Other medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or vision problems, thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels can cause dizziness that may also attack one’s balance. So the question is “What can we do to manage a precarious balance?” 

By far, my favorite is a simple, one-legged standing exercise, twice daily, when I brush my teeth. I began doing this 6 weeks ago and can attest that it’s starting to pay off. 

I use an electric toothbrush that emits a distinct sound every 30 seconds, prompting me to clean another quarter of my mouth and that I use to change legs. So the entire exercise lasts 4 minutes per day and forces me to stand for 30 seconds on a different leg. 

During my October vacation, I used a regular, manual toothbrush, and boy, was this much harder because of the amplified lateral motions! 

Sure, there are also balance boards available for that, but I find this one exercise simple and filled with challenges, like doing it eyes closed, my goal in one year from now…