Balance Exercises are Easy to Do

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest statistics show that one in four Americans aged 65 years and older falls each year.  The result is that “each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries; and over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.”

While these are worrisome facts, experts say there are some simple exercises seniors can do to help prevent falls and maintain their independence. Remember a common injury caused by an elderly person falling is a hip fracture that can seriously impact their life. 

Most balance exercises are easy to learn and do, do not require special equipment or a trip to the gym, and can be done anywhere.  The Mayo Clinic explains that while many exercises including walking can help maintain good balance, there are specific exercises targeted at improving a senior’s balance and stability.  They do caution however that if you have severe balance problems or an orthopedic condition, to get your doctor's okay before starting balance exercises.

Examples of balance exercises include: standing on one foot, walking heel to toe, back leg raises, and side leg raises.  To do the standing on one-foot exercise, stand behind a sturdy chair; gripping for balance, lift one foot off the floor.  Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat with the opposite legs.  Repeat the exercise several times and increase the repetition as your strength increases.  

Walking heel to toe is done by positioning the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other foot.  Your heel and toes should be touching.  Now select a spot ahead of you and focus on it to help keep you steady as you walk.  Try to step forward for as many as 20 steps.  Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for other balance exercises.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is devoted to the individualized memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.    Along with a monthly calendar full of activities to engage residents, we offer exercise classes to improve balance, strengthen muscles, and increase joint flexibility.  Please visit our website to learn more about our loving Alzheimer’s care community.

This post is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercises. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.