Balance and Coordination Exercises for the Elderly

Balance and coordination are vital skills to have and it is very important to maintain these skills. When people grow older, they tend to be more prone to falls. Apart from chronic illnesses, other reasons such as impaired eyesight, side effects of medications, and a decline in physical fitness make older people more likely to fall. People tend to become less active as they become older because their bodies take longer periods to repair.

Engaging in a moderate exercise program is necessary to improve balance and coordination. Below are some exercises that can help seniors stay active:

Tightrope Walk

The tightrope walk is highly recommended for boosting balance, posture, and core strength. This exercise is also relatively easy for seniors to do. All that is required is rope, wire, or nylon. To begin, tie the rope from two ends of distant poles so that the rope is tight and lying against the ground. Next, walk on the rope, one foot in front of the other, without stepping off to the ground. Do this while stretching out your arms wide as you perform this exercise. To get optimal results, we recommend doing at least 15 steps before getting off the rope. The tightrope walk should be performed with a partner under supervision. This way, your partner can keep count of the number steps taken and help you stay motivated.

Flamingo Stand

The flamingo stand is the most senior-friendly exercise. All you need to do is stand on one leg to improve balance and coordination. To begin, place one of your hands on a chair or a supporting frame and stretch the other leg forwards. Then stand on one leg for 10 to 15 seconds holding onto the chair for support. Repeat this for about five times before moving to the other leg. It is important that this exercise is supervised by a partner. Your partner can ensure that you are maintaining correct posture by keeping your shoulders, back, and head straight and your ears above your shoulders.

Toe the Line

“Toe the Line” is an exercise that improves coordination. To begin, place your heel in front of the toes of your other foot. You should focus on a single location to enable you to remain stable while you carry out this exercise. Once you finish with the first heel, try repeating this process on the other heel. If you are not able to bring your heel to touch the toes, it is important to try as much as you can and practice.

For more information on balance and coordination exercises, click here.

Article written by William Graves.