As we get older our sense of balance tends to drift. In the elderly a loss of balance can lead to a fear of falling and resulting dread of going out or living alone.

Doctors now believe that balance is actually a skill that can be learned, honed and improved. Development of a strong sense of balance can slow the deterioration of that skill late in life.

In a recent study conducted by the Center for Disease Control 5.8 million adults over 65 were found to have fallen within the previous 3 months. Falls are the leading cause of injury for the over 65′s and the leading cause of injury deaths. The good news about all this is that it can be prevented. Balance is a skill which can be learned, but the best defense against a loss of balance is the thorough acquisition of that skill at an early age.

“Sense of balance” is known in the medical world as equilibrioception. It is the cooperation of multiple systems in the body that keeps us on our feet, not flat on our face. It’s the eyes telling us where we are and the ears sensing acceleration and movement. It’s the body feeling the world around it and reacting. These capabilities diminish over time and result in a body that’s vulnerable to a dangerous lapse in balance. To prevent this, we must begin our apprenticeship in balance as early as possible.

Balance is developed naturally over time. First we crawl, then walk, then run. We may play sports and develop new skills related to balance, but ultimately age catches up and those skills degrade. However, it is possible to train the body and improve those skills and the early in our development that happens, the better.
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A popular tool used across Europe to teach toddler’s balance is the balance bike. These training bikes are basically a bike with no pedals, training wheels, chain or sprocket They’re half the weight of a traditional bike and the seats usually go much lower than a bike with training wheels. Kids straddle them, feet on the ground and push themselves around. For a 18-month old, this might mean just a walking the bike between their legs, but that doesn’t last long. They will quickly learn to propel themselves by pumping their feet and soon are testing and developing an advanced sense of balance.

Kids who use balance bikes not only develop balance faster, they are also learning a lifetime fitness activity that will help them throughout their life. Mastering balance at an early age will improve a person’s quality of life and its length.

Want to find out more about how balance bikes can help your child? See the amazing selection of toddler bikes available to get your child started.