Nurturing Your Hearing and Overall Well-Being
Just as we exercise to keep our hearts strong and our bodies flexible, we can adopt habits that support our overall well-being, which in turn benefits our ears. Your auditory system is intricately connected to the rest of your body, especially your cardiovascular system. Good circulation is vital for the health of those delicate structures in your inner ear.
Gentle, senior-friendly exercises like walking, swimming, or stationary cycling are wonderful for promoting blood flow throughout your body, including to your ears. Similarly, activities that focus on balance, such as Tai Chi or chair yoga, are incredibly beneficial. Since the inner ear also houses our balance system, any changes in hearing can sometimes affect our stability. Improving your balance helps with fall prevention, giving you more confidence to stay active and independent.
It’s also wise to be mindful of loud noises. Activities like mowing the lawn, using power tools, or attending loud concerts can damage your hearing over time. Wearing simple, inexpensive foam earplugs or protective earmuffs during these activities is an easy and effective way to preserve the hearing you have.
For information on physical activity for older adults, consult the National Institute on Aging. The American Heart Association and the Arthritis Foundation also provide excellent resources for senior-friendly exercise.
