Balance is essential for seniors. Without it, a fall or a strain could lead to a painful disability, or worse! So keep scrolling to read our informative blog on 3 daily balance exercises for seniors.
Did you know that 22 September is Falls Prevention Awareness Day? It’s the leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits, and the day is used to address this public health issue. Senior falls can be more dangerous than they might seem. They can cause bruising, hip fractures, and head injuries, and these accidents have the potential to be fatal, especially for the elderly, which means that they deserve extra attention to make sure they’re protected. According to the CDC, every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and death in this age group.
3 Daily Balance Exercises for Seniors to Help Prevent Senior Falls
Tightrope walk
This simple exercise improves balance, posture, and core strength.
- Lift your arms and extend them out to the sides.
- Walk in a straight line while focusing your gaze on a fixed point in the distance.
- Each time you raise your foot, pause with your foot in this raised position for 2 to 3 seconds.
- Take 20 to 30 steps.
Heel-toe raises
- Stand with both hands on your walker.
- Raise your heels and balance on the balls of your feet for 3 seconds.
- Then shift the weight onto your heels and raise your toes.
- Do 10 to 20 repetitions.
Weight shifts
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
- Shift your weight onto your right foot.
- Raise your left foot.
- Hold this position for up to 30 seconds.
- Then do the opposite side.
- Do each side 3 times.
