Each year, about a third of seniors 65 and up suffer injuries due to loss of balance, some of which can be serious. However, slips, trips and falls don’t have to be an unavoidable part of aging.
With a few handy tips, seniors can improve their balance and enhance their overall health.
- Practice balance exercises for seniors. Some exercises to try are: standing on one leg, walking heel to toe and shifting your balance from foot to foot. Also try standing up from and sitting down in a chair unassisted—this means not using your hands to steady yourself.
- Improving leg strength is an important aspect of proper balance. Try back leg raises or side leg raises while holding on to a sturdy chair. Squatting down to a chair is also a great way to improve leg strength.
- Once you feel comfortable doing the exercises above with your eyes open, try closing them for an added balance challenge.
- If you want to find a way to improve your balance while enjoying a new hobby and meeting new friends, try yoga or tai chi classes at your local senior center or community center.
When doing balance exercises, always make sure to have a sturdy object, like a chair, nearby to keep you safe in case you do lose your balance.
With the right products, seniors can balance better and live more comfortably. Check out BEK Medical’s wide selection, then give us a call at 915-599-1129.
