Healthy Aging: A Brushing Habit for Brains and Strong Bones

In most cases, multitasking does not improve life, because it is very difficult to do something well, constantly distracted by other things. However, there are exceptions. For example, brushing your teeth while balancing on one leg offers many benefits for healthy aging and longevity. This habit improves balance, strengthens bones and benefits the brain.

Every time you brush your teeth (ideally twice a day for dental health), shift your weight to one side and stand on one leg. The main thing is to make sure that both legs are trained. For example, you can stand on your right foot while brushing your teeth in the morning, and on the left in the evening.

“Our bodies tend to get stronger or weaker on one side, especially as we age, so it's important to maintain balance.” ,” says Rosalind Friedberg, group fitness instructor and active aging specialist. She said that the habit of standing on one leg while brushing your teeth has at least five health benefits.

Improved balance

To improve balance, you need to leave the balance challenge. At first, it can be difficult to balance on one leg, but the training will pay off. Many people do not realize that the ability to perform some everyday activities, such as stepping over a large puddle, going down stairs, or going up stairs, requires balance and stability on one leg. According to Friedberg, balance is important at any age, but as you get older it helps you stay independent.

Reducing the risk of falling

Falls become more frequent with age and can be fatal for the elderly. Practicing balancing on one leg can help prevent falls, as you can react quickly and catch your balance by using your adductor and abductor muscles.

Benefits for the brain

Standing on one leg while brushing your teeth requires more coordination than usual. And that means a workout for your brain. Before understanding how best to maintain balance, it is necessary to think. In addition, learning a new movement helps increase neural plasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to your behavior, Friedberg says.

According to the University of Utah, the more you challenge your brain, the longer your mind will stay sharp. For a more serious brain challenge, try brushing your teeth with the wrong hand.

Bone Strengthening

“Your hip bone density can improve with targeted movement” , – notes the expert. This means that unilateral exercises, such as standing on one leg while brushing your teeth, can help protect against age-related bone problems such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, Livestrong reports.

Changing Posture

The habit of brushing your teeth in an unusual way can improve your posture. In order to remain stable, it is necessary to keep the body in an upright position and in tension. The more you practice this exercise, the less you will slouch.