One of the biggest fears for many seniors is falling without the ability to get back up. The helpless feeling that comes from being out-of- control of one’s body is simply scary. Thankfully, just because your loved one is getting older doesn’t mean they necessarily have to lose their ability to get around without falling. However, retaining the balance they had in their youth will not happen on its own, it takes practice. Read below to learn more about balance and how it affects a senior’s life:
Why Balance is Important:
Balance is what keeps your loved up upright and firmly on their feet. Without good balance, they tend to become unsteady on their feet. This can result in falls, which in turn can lead to serious injury or the loss of mobility …show more content…
Therefore, their body will begin to wear out and their balance will suffer. However, by having them perform the following exercises on a regular basis, you can help them retain more of their current balance and regain some they lost.
Standing on one foot: This exercise is simple enough, but can be challenging to someone who has lost their ability to balance properly. This is the perfect first step towards regaining balance; however, because it helps one rediscover their center of gravity. Be sure to use a sturdy chair or other piece of furniture to begin with. To perform this exercise, stand on one foot for 10 seconds and repeat around 10 times. Then, move on to the other leg.
Leg Raises: This is a strengthening exercise, designed to build strength in the lower body. Use a chair for support, then simply lift one leg straight back, keeping the supporting leg bent. Hold for a second, then repeat as many as 15 times. Then, change to the other leg. The back leg raise will build strength in the buttocks and lower back. The second version of this exercise is the side leg raise. It primarily works the buttocks, thighs and hips. To do this, stand behind a chair and lift one leg to the side. Make sure the back stays straight and the toes remain facing forward. Bend the supporting leg. Hold for around one second, repeating 15 times, then move on to the other
Why Balance is Important:
Balance is what keeps your loved up upright and firmly on their feet. Without good balance, they tend to become unsteady on their feet. This can result in falls, which in turn can lead to serious injury or the loss of mobility …show more content…
Therefore, their body will begin to wear out and their balance will suffer. However, by having them perform the following exercises on a regular basis, you can help them retain more of their current balance and regain some they lost.
Standing on one foot: This exercise is simple enough, but can be challenging to someone who has lost their ability to balance properly. This is the perfect first step towards regaining balance; however, because it helps one rediscover their center of gravity. Be sure to use a sturdy chair or other piece of furniture to begin with. To perform this exercise, stand on one foot for 10 seconds and repeat around 10 times. Then, move on to the other leg.
Leg Raises: This is a strengthening exercise, designed to build strength in the lower body. Use a chair for support, then simply lift one leg straight back, keeping the supporting leg bent. Hold for a second, then repeat as many as 15 times. Then, change to the other leg. The back leg raise will build strength in the buttocks and lower back. The second version of this exercise is the side leg raise. It primarily works the buttocks, thighs and hips. To do this, stand behind a chair and lift one leg to the side. Make sure the back stays straight and the toes remain facing forward. Bend the supporting leg. Hold for around one second, repeating 15 times, then move on to the other