What winter is – blizzards, freezing temperatures, icy sidewalks and visiting the ER because you slipped and fell on the ice. For kids, winter might be an exciting time – playing in the snow and sliding down slopes. For senior citizens, all that ice and snow is a nightmare. Here are a couple of things you can do to make winter a little less perilous.
Make sure your footwear is in good condition. Examine your shoes and boots for good traction. Maybe it’s time for a new pair. Obviously, better traction will help keep you more stable on icy surfaces.
Allow extra time if it’s slippery out. When you hurry you end up pushing the edges of what your balance can handle. Keep in mind that being a little late is better than rushing and ending up injured.
Strengthen your legs with a rebounder or mini trampoline. Strong leg muscles can help you steady yourself if you slip and strong bones can prevent breaks and fractures. And if you do fall, your strong legs will make it a lot easier to get back up. Exercise your legs regularly to keep them strong. Try walking up and down your stairs repeatedly or do a set of ten squats out of a chair a couple times per week.
There are any amount of activities for children to enjoy but tramolines are now becoming a firm favorite. I’m not talking about the huge things in the garden which need constant supervision but the mini trampolines available now. There quite a range of affordable ones, some even have a bar to hold onto.
Bouncing is immensely beneficial for children. They get a whole body workout without even thinking about it. I have one in my office so that I can do a session whenever I reach a break in my work. My grandchildren come over and give the tramoline a workout. They love it. Wonderful for their bone density, as it is for mine.