HOW TO CORRECT BAD POSTURE IN ADULTS

Poor elderly posture is a common occurrence in the majority of the aging population, as the habits and muscular problems that can determine poor posture have been left untreated or uncorrected for a substantial length of time. However, there are ways to encourage better posture. This mainly consists of the correct positioning taking place throughout the day. The  use of specially designed furniture can help to improve long-standing bad posture.

WHY IS GOOD POSTURE IMPORTANT?

There are numerous benefits to improving posture, including:

• Correct alignment of bones and joints, which helps to maintain correct muscle use, also helping the reduction of wearing joint surfaces.
• It reduces the risk of injury by reducing the stress on the ligaments supporting the spine, which is extremely important for the elderly community.
• It can help towards the prevention of muscular pain and strain.

SITTING POSTURE

Before we discuss correct sitting posture, there are specific pieces of furniture designed specifically to help with posture. A posture chair can help improve posture, particularly in those who have muscular problems and special needs. If a person has great trouble with mobility, solutions like the Chicago Rise and Recliner are a great option. Or, if you require a specialist chair, built to the specifications of the user, we recommend the Repose Melrose Tilt Chair. To see all the Specialist Seating collection, please click here.

At Beaucare, our national trainer undertakes site visits in order to perform bespoke patient chair assessments in care home, working together with the therapists on site. Please contact us for specific requirements.

Here is our quick guide to checking posture when sitting, to help improve current bad posture:

• Sit back in the chair and ensure your feet are flat on the floor. By tilting the hips forwards and backwards, you can find a neutral position for your spine that you still feel comfortable with.
• Next, work your way up to the middle of your back, tilting back and forth until adopting a comfortable position.
• Then, move the chin back and forth until you reach a comfortable pain-free position, ensuring the previous steps have not been undone.

KYPHOSIS

Kyphosis is a common condition amongst the elderly community, best described as an excessive outward curvature of the spine, which creates hunching of the back. Postural kyphosis treatment can help the condition to improve, with the treatment taking various forms including defining correct postural measurements and adaptions in position and furniture being taken based on this. However, it’s important to remember that postural problems that have developed more over time will typically take longer to improve, as the joints have adapted to a particular shape for so long.

When it comes to postural kyphosis treatment, the height and depth of a chair are important to ensure the feet are placed properly on the floor. Use of a profile headrest with a supportive waterfall back cushion can help to add comfort here.

If you would like to read other various guides regarding ways to better improve the lives of those in the elderly community such as the correct hydration and nutrition, elderly bathing solutions and also reducing the risk of falls, please keep reading our blog. Or, to browse our online site to see our wide range of medical, nursing and hygiene supplies, then please click here.