Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises? 10 special guided

Introduction

In this article we are going to show you the importance of exercises that promote balance in seniors. The article is broken down into three sections:

  • The Importance of Exercise as We Age
  • Benefits of Balance Exercises
  • Balance Exercises for Seniors (with links to relevant videos)Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

 

The ability to balance when we stand and when we walk is a complex skill that many people take for granted. Usually, balancing is something that people do without conscious thought. They use balance to navigate their environment without having to exert effort or think about it.

But for others, particularly senior citizens, balance is a struggle. Some senior citizens experience dizziness or weakness that causes imbalance while others suffer from diseases like Parkinson’s Disease or Lewy Body Disorder that can cause postural issues that lead to imbalance.

No matter what the cause, imbalance can lead to serious falls and injuries. To avoid this problem, most senior citizens can benefit from doing special exercises to build and maintain good balance.

Recent studies have shown that balance-exercises not only reduce the odds that a senior citizen will fall, but these exercises also help seniors fall gracefully in a way that helps them prevent serious injury.

According to research, specialized balance-focused exercise programs reduced the number of falls that resulted in minor injury by 37% and they reduced the number of falls leading to serious injury by 43%. Approximately 61% of seniors who experienced a fall after doing balance-exercises were able to avoid breaking a bone as a result of the accident.

 

There are a number of different types of balance-related exercises that are appropriate for senior citizens. The type of exercise depends on the health of the individual including their strength, stamina, and flexibility.

Tai chi and gentle yoga exercises are popular for many senior citizens who are moderately healthy and active though there are a number of simple at-home exercises that require little to no training or guidance to perform as well.

Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

 

As we age, we may experience a decline in our physical abilities, including balance. Falls are a common concern among seniors and can result in serious injuries or hospitalization.

The ability to balance when we stand and when we walk is a complex skill that many people take for granted. Usually, balancing is something that people do without conscious thought. They use balance to navigate their environment without having to exert effort or think about it.

But for others, particularly senior citizens, balance is a struggle. Some senior citizens experience dizziness or weakness that causes imbalance while others suffer from diseases like Parkinson’s Disease or Lewy Body Disorder that can cause postural issues that lead to imbalance.

No matter what the cause, imbalance can lead to serious falls and injuries. To avoid this problem, most senior citizens can benefit from doing special exercises to build and maintain good balance.

Recent studies have shown that balance-exercises not only reduce the odds that a senior citizen will fall, but these exercises also help seniors fall gracefully in a way that helps them prevent serious injury. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

According to research, specialized balance-focused exercise programs reduced the number of falls that resulted in minor injury by 37% and they reduced the number of falls leading to serious injury by 43%. Approximately 61% of seniors who experienced a fall after doing balance-exercises were able to avoid breaking a bone as a result of the accident. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

 

There are a number of different types of balance-related exercises that are appropriate for senior citizens. The type of exercise depends on the health of the individual including their strength, stamina, and flexibility.

Tai chi and gentle yoga exercises are popular for many senior citizens who are moderately healthy and active though there are a number of simple at-home exercises that require little to no training or guidance to perform as well.

One way to reduce the risk of falls and improve overall health and quality of life for seniors is by concentrating on wellness, particularly balance exercises. Living a healthy and active lifestyle is an integral aspect of many senior living communities.

Why Is Balance Important?

Every year, more than 25% of older adults aged 65 or older have a fall. Older adults are more at risk of falls, slips, and injuries.

Certain conditions can impair your balance or cause balance concerns, such as:

  • Inner ear problems
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Vision problems
  • Thyroid issues
  • Arthritis
  • Migraine
  • Medication side effects

Balance can benefit almost anyone. But while you can’t prevent falls and accidents 100%, improving balance with exercise can help reduce your risk of falls. The goal of balance exercises for seniors is to improve stability and coordination. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

Imbalance and Injury

When a young child or even a young adult falls, there are usually very few consequences, but when a senior citizen falls, the story is often different. Older individuals who fall may experience broken bones that can lead to a downward spiral health-wise.

A broken hip can turn into a death sentence for an older individual who is already suffering from diabetes, osteoporosis, or other chronic degenerative diseases. Worse yet are head injuries or falls that shake the elder’s confidence thereby undermining their independence and personal sense of volition.

 

Imbalance goes along with injury for older individuals, but building balance through structured exercise can help prevent falls altogether or at least prevent falls that lead to broken bones or serious injury.

Though specific balance-related exercises are ideal for seniors who wish to prevent injury, just about any exercise that builds strength, flexibility, or endurance will also build balance. Finding an exercise program that not only stimulates the development of enhanced balance, but that’s also fun for the individual who’s doing the exercise is key. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

The Importance of Exercise as We Age

Having good balance is an important way to prevent falls, but there are many benefits to regular exercise, especially as we age. Physical activity along with a healthy diet are two of the most important lifestyle factors that determine whether or not we age gracefully.

Finding an exercise program that’s fun and engaging is essential if we want to create a lasting habit, but there are lots of different types of exercise to choose from. Senior citizens should choose an exercise program that they can continue to do over the course of time as their bodies change.

 

Exercise is not just a way to get into shape or to prevent injurious falls. It can also be a reason to go outside and get fresh air. It can be a reason to socialize and mix with other like-minded individuals of all ages.

Through exercise, people tune into their physical bodies and notice what’s going right and what’s going wrong. Exercise, for many people, is a way to meditate on whatever is bothering them. Through exercise, senior citizens can enhance their physical, mental, emotional, and even their social well-being. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

read more

Improved Stability

Balance exercise aims to improve your overall stability and posture, making it easier to perform everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing up from a chair. Our muscles and bones become weaker with age, which makes balance more difficult.

However, with regular balance exercises, seniors can strengthen their core muscles and improve their balance.

Reduced Risk of Falls

Falls are a serious concern for seniors, and the risk increases with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 million older adults visit the emergency department each year for fall injuries.

However, by performing balance exercises, seniors can improve their balance and build strength to reduce their risk of falls.

Increased Independence

A fall can seriously impact a senior’s daily life. By performing balance exercises, seniors can maintain an independent lifestyle, gain confidence, and continue to perform everyday activities without assistance. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

Imbalance and Injury

When a young child or even a young adult falls, there are usually very few consequences, but when a senior citizen falls, the story is often different. Older individuals who fall may experience broken bones that can lead to a downward spiral health-wise.

A broken hip can turn into a death sentence for an older individual who is already suffering from diabetes, osteoporosis, or other chronic degenerative diseases. Worse yet are head injuries or falls that shake the elder’s confidence thereby undermining their independence and personal sense of volition.

 

Imbalance goes along with injury for older individuals, but building balance through structured exercise can help prevent falls altogether or at least prevent falls that lead to broken bones or serious injury.

Though specific balance-related exercises are ideal for seniors who wish to prevent injury, just about any exercise that builds strength, flexibility, or endurance will also build balance. Finding an exercise program that not only stimulates the development of enhanced balance, but that’s also fun for the individual who’s doing the exercise is key. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

The Importance of Exercise as We Age

Having good balance is an important way to prevent falls, but there are many benefits to regular exercise, especially as we age. Physical activity along with a healthy diet are two of the most important lifestyle factors that determine whether or not we age gracefully.

Finding an exercise program that’s fun and engaging is essential if we want to create a lasting habit, but there are lots of different types of exercise to choose from. Senior citizens should choose an exercise program that they can continue to do over the course of time as their bodies change.

 

Exercise is not just a way to get into shape or to prevent injurious falls. It can also be a reason to go outside and get fresh air. It can be a reason to socialize and mix with other like-minded individuals of all ages.

Through exercise, people tune into their physical bodies and notice what’s going right and what’s going wrong. Exercise, for many people, is a way to meditate on whatever is bothering them. Through exercise, senior citizens can enhance their physical, mental, emotional, and even their social well-being. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

 

Improved Quality of Life

Aging, with a decline in physical abilities, can significantly impact our quality of life. However, by performing balance exercises, seniors can maintain their physical abilities and enjoy a better quality of life.

Enhanced balance performance can lead to significant improvements in quality of life. It allows older adults to continue participating in recreational opportunities, activities, and events they enjoy, without fear of falling. Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

Balance Exercises for Seniors

There are a variety of balance exercises that seniors can perform to improve their overall stability. When done regularly, they can help you maintain the lifestyle you’re used to.

Heel-To-Toe Walk

This exercise helps strengthen your legs and improves balance. It involves walking in a straight line while placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot. You can perform this exercise while holding onto a chair or wall for support.

Heel-Toe Raises

You can perform the heel-toe raise using a walker. Start by standing with both hands on your walker and raise both heels while balancing on the balls of your feet for 3 seconds. Then shift your weight onto your heels and raise your toes.

Rock the Boat

Rock the Boat is a simple balance exercise for all levels. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and arms extended to your sides. Lift one foot off the floor and bend the knee. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other foot.

Weight Shifts

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Next, shift your weight onto one foot and raise the other. Hold for up to 30 seconds and repeat on the opposite side.

How Often Should Seniors Perform Balance Exercises?

Seniors should perform balance exercises at least 2 to 3 times per week. Here are some exercise tips for seniors:

  • Seniors should consult with their doctor before starting any new exercise program.
  • It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the difficulty of the exercises.
  • Take breaks when needed.
  • Use a chair or wall for support and to prevent falls.
  • Ensure you are well hydrated and eat well to reduce the possibility of lightheadedness or dizziness.
  • Cool down by stretching or taking long, deep breaths after exercising.

for other information

Find Balance in Life

Balance is integral to senior health and well-being and can help reduce the risk of falls, improve overall stability, and increase independence. By incorporating balance exercises into your routine, you can maintain physical abilities and enjoy a better quality of life.

Our community at Urbana Place Senior Living is focused on helping seniors find balance in all aspects of their lives. Schedule a tour to explore our community and learn about the health and wellness programs at Urbana Place for an active and independent lifestyle.

Posted in Health & Wellness.

2 thoughts on “Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises? 10 special guided”

Leave a Comment