3 Exercises That Promote Balance In Older Adults

One of the biggest issues that adults face as they age is maintaining balance when walking

. As poor balance can lead to serious injuries and even hospice or nursing home care, it is extremely important that home caregivers assist older adults in finding ways to improve their balance so they can remain active, mobile and independent.

Vision problems, muscle and joint weakening and lack of exercise are usually the primary causes of poor balance in older adults and doctors agree that regular exercise can often help to strengthen and stabilize these areas to promote balance. Albuquerque Parkinsons Care aids may wonder though which exercises are the best to implement.

At Albuquerque Home Care we stress safety first so it is crucial to talk to ones doctor before beginning an exercise regimen. The opinion of an older adults primary physician is crucial when selecting the type and duration of exercises, as only he or she can determine which exercises are recommended based on current overall health. There are, however, three basic exercises doctors consider as a good starting point:

One-Leg Stand

Place a sturdy, high-back chair in the exercise area. Ask your charge to stand behind the chair, hold on to the back and then stand on only his right or left leg for five to ten seconds. Repeat the movement five to ten times and then exercise the opposite leg.

Heel-To-Toes Walk

Another good exercise is the heel-to-toe walk. An Albuquerque Elder Care aid will ask their client to look at a point straight ahead and attempt to walk 10 to 15 steps placing one foot in front of the other heel to toes like a circus tightrope walker who must have good posture and balance to keep from falling.

Parallel Arm Walking

Another tightrope walker action that can help an elder adult is attempting to walk in a straight line with arms held straight out parallel with the ground. Ask the older adult in your care to look straight ahead, lift his arms up and straight out to the sides and then walk 10 to 15 steps. Just as the performer must pause as she tries to gain her footing on the rope with each step, ask the adult to pause for a second after each step.

by: Johnny Lowery

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