Balance and Seniors

On this Friday before Labor Day we are thinking about doing outdoor activities to enjoy nice summer weather.

Good balance is a key factor in being able to go outdoors without worrying about falling.  It is fundamental to staying well.

As a child you run, jump and climb naturally.  You don’t even think about all of the body parts you are using:  feet, legs, buttocks, abs and your torso.  Your whole body!

Aging gets you thinking more because of changes in your body, including your balance.  It can be something that sneaks up on you.

Did you know your balance begins to change starting at age 50 and that one-third of us over the age of 65 fall each year?

What can you do to help keep better balance?  Here are a few activities to begin*.

Weight Shifting – a good starting point

• Stand with feet hip-width apart
• First shift your weight forward with your heels coming off the floor
• Back to center then shift your weight back until your toes come of the floor
• Next with flat feet, shift your body to the left as far as possible, back to center then to the right as far as possible.

Heel Raises

• Stand with feet hip-width apart
• Use a dresser for balance if needed, and raise your heels together and hold for two seconds.  Do this 10-15 times.

Forward and Backward Stepping

• Stand with feel hip-width apart, arms at your side
• Take a step forward with your right leg, then move it back.
• Take a step backward with your right leg, then move it back.
• Do again with your left leg.

Private Home Health Care deals with clients who have trouble with balance so we understand how important it is to work to improve it whenever possible.

*Exercises take from VeryWellhealth.com