Maybe Mom was right when she reminded us not to slouch! Poor posture can result in aches and pains, limited lung capacity and energy, balance difficulties, and decreased ability to move easily. And that's not all! A recent Japanese study followed 804 people 65+ for four-and-a-half years. Those with more forward-leaning spines were nearly 3.5 times more likely to need assistance in daily living tasks than their more upright age-mates. Results were not accounted for by variations in age, sex, or level of back pain or stiffness. Read more

Moshe Feldenkrais suggested a simple way to help people find a healthy, more upright alignment. Here is is:
1. Stand with your feet comfortably apart. If balance is a concern at all, position yourself near something to touch if needed.
2. Pretend you are about to jump straight up in the air. In other words, get ready to jump but don't actually do so. Allow yourself to bend in several places, like accordian pleats: your ankles, your knees, bending at your hip joints so your tailbone is back (not tucked under). Keep your eyes and head looking forward and feel the weight fully on both feet.
3. Slowly "unpleat" or straighten up, keeping the alignment you experienced in the "pre-jump pleats". Maintaining a sense of springiness in your ankle, knee and hip joints will keep you from returning to your old habits.

This is also a good way to "refresh" your standing if you're uncomfortable after standing still for awhile.