Posture Perfection....at any age!!

Do you remember when you were small, your parents and teachers would often say put your shoulders back? From an early age we tend to go for the most comfortable position often to our detriment.

Over the years I have tried my best to be aware of my deportment for my bones and my appearance. Certainly as we enter the senior years its even more important to take note of posture there is nothing more ageing than the sight of rounded shoulders which become more and more pronounced.  This image is even displayed on danger road signs of older people crossing the roads!  Apparently the government is looking to improve on this image as it is regarded as an old fashioned stereotype....I certainly hope so!

Some years ago I saw Diana Moran at a magazine event.  (Remember she was the "Green Goddess" from  Breakfast TV years ago.) Certainly her fitness regime which she demonstrated to so many people had paid off for her - she looked amazing, she stood tall with perfect posture and looked so much younger than her years.

Then last week I saw an article showing her today at the age of 77 looking as if time had stood still.  The thrust of the article made me think about my parents generation where they were encouraged to "take it easy" as they got older and "not do too much"! Not that my parents followed their advice they were very active people and enjoyed their productive lives.

Its really worth a read and may give you food for thought about making small changes to your life which will make for a healthier way forward.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4304654/Feel-ten-years-younger-no-gyms-no-diets-no-fuss.html

Walk like a Duck........Bad Habits!!

As the years go by you wonder why some of us seem more prone to various joint malfunctions.  At school we were taught to stand tall, shoulders back, tummy in.  I can't remember anyone talking about our feet and their position when walking.



I have had trouble with my knees since my mid 30s and I have managed their troublesome nature to a now better relationship.  This came about mainly because of a trip to a superb physiotherapist who specialised in sports injuries.......the sports aspect does not relate to me :)

However why does relate to me is that I tend to walk like a duck..........because I suppose it is comfortable.  I am not the worst offender I say defensively.  However now that I am aware of this aberration, I notice everyone else's shortcomings!  My physio talked about my knee problems and the way I walk and told me if I want to get my body and anatomy back into alignment I would have to change my ways!!!  .....and this would improve my knee problems considerably!!

This advice which I readily accept has been reinforced by my son.  When he follows me he often calls out to me "12  o'clock".  This can be quite irritating as my husband also joins the chorus.

However thinking about the clock makes me pay attention to the way I am walking ....it does feel unnatural to me to walk in this parallel fashion particularly after years of abuse.......but it has made a difference - I have less trouble with the joints. I still have to remain vigilant as there is a tendency to return to the old and familiar despite its negative consequences .



Being good is not easy is it!  What do you think?