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Four in ten Brits aged over 45 can’t touch their toes while standing up, according to research. A study of 2,000 adults, in their fifth decade and beyond, revealed 46 percent had no idea about the correlation between balance and good health.
And 58 percent didn’t rate their chances at confidently crossing a two-metre balance beam, while only three in ten have tried yoga before.
Respondents also felt that pains and discomforts were likely to creep in from your mid-late 40s – noting that lower back pain, and knees, were the most likely to be affected first.
A spokesman for Voltarol, which commissioned the research following the launch of its Movement Coach website, offering free holistic pain management tips and advice, said: “It’s interesting to see how little people are truly aware of the importance strong balance can have, particularly later in life.
“It’s not something you tend to think about – but when you stop and give it some thought, it’s actually crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you get older.
“And it was interesting to see from the research how there’s a desire to be more active, but aches and pains can prove a hindrance.”
The study also found 31 percent felt discomfort that restricts them from doing things – and 28 percent said that while it didn’t restrict them, it was annoying.
According to the OnePoll data, 64 percent would describe their issues as a chronic problem.
But 47 percent of those suffering from body aches and pains simply describe their approach as “grin and bear it”.
Meanwhile, three-quarters admitted you know you’re starting to get old when you make noises getting out of bed or a chair.
However, 57 percent believe it’s important to embrace the ageing process with a youthful spirit – with 59 percent focusing on their mental and physical health more so now than ever.
It also emerged 71 percent enjoy being active, but 65 percent wish they were able to do more.
Following the findings, Voltarol also created an amusing video which saw people put their balance to the test.
A spokesman added: “Everyone’s different, and balance varies from person to person, but it’s important to continue to work on this, even if there’s niggly aches and pains.
“By focusing on balance, you may be able to help alleviate pain and discomfort, which could open doors to a more active lifestyle.
“We wanted to provide people with a bespoke pain management plan based on their needs, including exercises to try and other expert advice, to give people hope as they get older that there are simple and effective ways to maintain an active lifestyle.”
