Imagine walking through a familiar room with confidence or easily catching your balance on an uneven trail. These seemingly small moments are guided by proprioception, our body’s natural sense of where we are in space. It’s a gift we rarely think about, but it plays a massive role in our daily lives. As we grow older, however, this “sixth sense” doesn’t work as effortlessly, which can lead to challenges we might not expect—challenges that can be felt deeply in a place like Hilo, where life is so closely tied to the land, the water, and an active community.
Hilo’s unique lifestyle, rooted in outdoor activities and cultural traditions, depends on staying mobile and balanced. Whether it’s tending to a garden, hiking Mauna Loa’s trails, or dancing hula, these activities require a well-tuned sense of body awareness. Unfortunately, proprioception naturally declines with age as our receptors—tiny sensors in muscles and joints—become less sensitive. This change might go unnoticed at first, but it can lead to difficulty catching yourself after a stumble or moving confidently in uneven environments.
For Hilo’s aging community, this is especially important. Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, and poor proprioception is often a hidden culprit. But here’s the good news: you can actually train your proprioception to keep it sharp. Physical activities like tai chi, yoga, or even simple balance exercises can help preserve and even improve this sense. Studies show that staying active can make a big difference in slowing this decline and reducing the risk of falls (Ribeiro & Oliveira, 2007; Aman et al., 2015).
More than just safety, keeping your proprioception in check allows you to keep enjoying the things that make Hilo, and life, special. Whether it’s hiking down to Akaka Falls or simply walking along the black sand beaches, having confidence in your movements means you’re free to fully participate in the joys of your environment. Even if you feel like you’ve let these things slide, it’s never too late to start. Proprioception training is not just for the young or athletes—it’s for anyone who wants to stay active, independent, and connected to the world around them.
So, take a moment to consider the amazing gift of body awareness and balance you’ve been given. It’s not just about preventing a fall; it’s about holding on to the things you love—whether that’s tending your garden, playing with your grandkids, or practicing a cherished hula routine. Proprioception is a key to staying present and active in your own life, and it’s a sense well worth nurturing.
References
Aman, J. E., Elangovan, N., Yeh, I. L., & Konczak, J. (2015). The effectiveness of proprioceptive training for improving motor function: A systematic review. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, Article 1075. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.01075
Ferlinc, A., Fabiani, E., Velnar, T., & Gradisnik, L. (2019). The importance and role of proprioception in the elderly: A short review. Materia Socio Medica, 31(3), 219–221. https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2019.31.219-221
Ribeiro, F., & Oliveira, J. (2007). Aging effects on joint proprioception: The role of physical activity in proprioception preservation. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 4(2), 71–76. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11556-007-0026-x
Kimani Cooke, SPT
Student Physical Therapist
Hawaii Pacific University
Edited by Dr. Malia Tallett, PT, DPT, TPS
