Balance Training for Older Adults: Stop the Wobble!

As we age, balance becomes increasingly important for our day-to-day activities. From simply walking to the grocery store to avoiding dangerous falls, balance is critical for seniors. Unfortunately, many older adults find that their balance starts to decline as they get older. This can lead to a number of problems, including a loss of independence and an increased risk of falls. Thankfully, balance training can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in older adults. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of balance training for seniors and provide some tips on how you can get started

Balance training can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in older adults. Believe it or not, you can train balance the same way you can train a muscle to get stronger! Balance is critical for seniors as they age because it allows them to participate in activities that are important to them; like walking, shopping, accessing community groups, and cooking. Unfortunately, many older adults find that their balance starts to decline as they get older. This can lead to a number of problems, including a loss of independence and an increased risk of falls.

Balance training involves exercises that challenge your balance and coordination. It is important to work within a range specific to you, balance training should be difficult, yet not impossible to accomplish. These exercises can be done at home in front of your kitchen bench if you feel confident you can catch yourself if you begin to lose your balance (if not, come see a physiotherapist for help to safely complete your exercises) or in a fitness class specifically designed for seniors.

Balance exercises for seniors

• Calf raises (without holding on!)
• Slow marching on the spot
• Standing with feet together, turning your head from side to side
• Standing on one foot
• Walking heel-to-toe
• Walking backwards or sideways
• Balancing on a stability ball

Balance training tips for seniors

• Make sure to warm up and stretch before starting any balance exercises. This will help reduce the risk of injury.
• Start slowly and progress at your own pace, determine a level you find challenging but not impossible and work within these limits. Don't try to do too many exercises at once.
• Perform exercises in a safe place (such as in front of your couch with a walker in front of you with the brakes on, or in front of the kitchen bench) if you feel unsteady, seek help to complete your exercises, don't risk falling!
• Be patient! It may take some time before you see improvements in your balance.

If you're looking for ways to improve your balance, give balance training a try! It can be done at home or in a fitness class specifically designed for seniors. Just make sure to start slowly and progress at your own pace. If you're unsure of where to start, come in and see one of our physiotherapists for some help getting started, safely! Book in for a time that suits you by calling our friendly admin staff on 07 3706 3407 or email info@articulatephysiotherapy.com.au