As we age, falls become a bigger concern. Slips and falls are a leading cause of injury and death among seniors. But there is some good news: exercises can improve your strength and balance so you can stand tall and feel confident as you walk.
Here are 14 exercises seniors can do to improve their balance.
1. Single Limb Stance
Balance is important for seniors, so one of the best exercises for them is to stand on one foot.
Here’s how you do it: stand behind a steady, solid chair (not one with wheels), and hold on to the back of it. Lift up your right foot and balance on your left foot. Hold that position for as long as you can, then switch feet.
The goal should be to stand on one foot without holding onto the chair and hold that pose for up to a minute.
2. Walking Heel to Toe
Some people might say “How is crossing your leg an exercise to improve balance?” Crossing your legs makes your legs stronger, which enables you to walk without falling. Put your right foot in front of your left foot so that the heel of your right foot touches the top of the toes of your left foot. Move your left foot in front of your right, putting your weight on your heel. Then, shift your weight onto your left leg. Walk this way for 20 steps.
3. Rock the Boat
Stand with your feet at least hip-width apart. You should be pressing both feet firmly into the ground. Stand straight, like a ruler, with your head level. Then, lift your left leg off the ground. Hold it there for as long as you can (no more than 30 seconds).
Slowly bring your foot back down to the floor. Then put all of your weight on that foot. Next, lift your opposite leg. You should start with five repetitions per side and work up to more.
4. Clock Reach
You’ll need a chair for this exercise.
Imagine that you are near the centre of the clock, point to 12 o’clock. Extend your right arm, pointing at 3 o’clock. The point behind you is at 6 o’clock, then bring it back to 3 o’clock. Point to 9 o’clock, then bring it back to 12 o’clock.
Repeat this exercise twice per side.
5. Back Leg Raises
This strength training exercise for seniors makes your bottom and your lower back stronger.
Stand behind a chair. Lift your right leg straight back without bending your knees or pointing your toes. Hold that position for one second. Then gently bring your leg back down. Repeat this ten to 15 times per leg.
6. Single Limb Stance with Arm
This balance exercise for seniors improves your physical coordination.
Stand with your feet together and arms at your side. Lift your left hand over your head. Then, slowly raise your left foot off the floor. Repeat the same action on the right side.
7. Side Leg Raise
You’ll need a chair for this exercise to improve balance.
Stand behind a chair and place your feet apart. Lift one leg to the side and keep your back straight. Look straight ahead and keep your toe pointed forward. Slowly lower your leg and repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times.
8. Balancing Wand
This balance exercise for seniors can be performed while seated. You’ll need a cane or some kind of stick. A broomstick works well for this – just remove the broom’s head before you start.
Hold the bottom of the stick so that it’s flat on the palm of your hand. The goal of this exercise is to keep the stick upright for as long as possible. Change hands so that you work on your balance skills on both sides of your body.
9. Wall Pushups
As long as you’ve got a wall, you can do this strength training exercise for seniors.
Stand an arm’s length in front of a wall that doesn’t have any paintings, decorations, windows or doors. Lean forward slightly and put your palms flat on the wall at the height and width of your shoulders. Keep your feet planted as you slowly bring your body towards the wall. Gently push yourself back so that your arms are straight. Do twenty of these.
10. Marching in Place
Marching is a great balance exercise for seniors. If you need to hold onto something, do this exercise in front of a counter.
Standing straight, lift your right knee as high as you can. Lower it, then lift the left leg. Lift and lower your legs 20 times.
11. Toe Lifts
This strength training exercise for seniors also improves balance. You’ll need a chair or a counter.
Stand straight and put your arms in front of you. Raise yourself up on your toes as high as you can go, then gently lower yourself. Don’t lean too far forward on the chair or counter. Lift and lower yourself 20 times.
12. Shoulder Rolls
This is a simple exercise for seniors. You can do it seated or standing.
Rotate your shoulders gently up to the ceiling, then back and down. Next, do the same thing, but roll them forwards and then down.
13. Hand and Finger Exercises
The following are exercises to improve flexibility. You don’t need to stand for these.
In the first exercise, pretend there’s a wall in front of you. Your fingers will climb the wall until they’re above your head. While holding your arms above your head, wiggle your fingers for ten seconds. Then, walk them back down.
During the second exercise, touch your hands while they’re behind your back. Reach for your left hand while your right hand is behind your back. Hold that position for ten seconds, then try with your other arm.
14. Calf Stretches
These strength training exercises for seniors can be performed sitting or standing.
To do calf stretches while standing, find a wall with nothing on it. Stand facing the wall with your hands at eye level. Place your left leg behind your right leg. Keep your left heel on the floor and bend your right knee. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat two to four times per leg.
If you want to stretch your calves while sitting, you’ll need a towel. Sit on the floor with your legs straight. Put the towel around the soles of your right foot and hold both ends. Pull the towel towards you while keeping your knee straight and hold it for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat the exercise two to four times per leg.
Lifeline has been helping seniors for decades, but remember that before embarking on an exercise regimen, please consult your doctor. Falls don’t have to be a fact of life – exercising can make you stronger and fitter. You don’t need fancy equipment, either – just pull up a chair!
