In the last two posts, we introduced what happens to our bodies as we age and then we explored in a little more detail specifically how aging affects our muscular system.
In today’s post, we will be looking at the changes that take place in a specific part of our nervous system that is referred to as our somatosensory system.
What is the Somatosensory System?
Somato- refers to body and -sensory refers to the nerves that interact with the body to assist it in its function. In other words, the somatosensory system is responsible for how we feel, experience, and react to physical touch, pain, and movement, among other sensations.
As we age, there are changes that occur with the somatosensory system that directly relate to our balance, risk for falls and injury, and our ability to function independently. Just as changes occur in the muscle physiology as we age, likewise, the nervous system undergoes similar changes.
What are the major components of the nervous system that affect our balance?
The chart below provides a basic description of each type of nerve and its function
As we age (older than 70 years) the cutaneous nerves in our skin have been shown to be less responsive, thus not providing accurate and timely information to the brain. When the skin nerves in the feet and lower legs transmit less information at slower speeds, our brains must rely on the other nerves to provide the information so we can react to body movements that could potentially result in a fall.
For those who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knees and ankles, the joint receptors can become damaged which also results in less information being transmitted to the spine and brain.
Researchers are attempting to determine if physical activity, therapeutic exercise, and stretching can prevent the deterioration of the nerves in the lower extremities, but no concrete evidence is available at this time. It is suggested, however, that those who are physically active throughout their lives are less likely to have the nerve damage than those who are sedentary.
Next Steps
While there is no research that fully establishes a relationship between increased physical activity and reducing or reversing nerve damage, and I certainly do not make the claim here that this relationship exists, if there is the slightest possibility that we can slow down the degeneration of these nerves, it is worth considering. Moreover, as the results of physical activity have been proven to have a positive effect on so many other areas that do affect balance, I believe that the decision should be simple to make.
And so I repeat my call to action…
Join me in doing what we can, and all we can, to increase our balance, strength, power, and flexibility. Keep reading to find out more of what you can do to improve your life in these areas.
