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As people age, they lose muscle strength, which can make them more likely to fall. Also, their reflexes slow down. This makes it harder for them to regain their balance if they start to fall.
Learn some strength and balance exercises, and take the time to do them each day. This can help you stay active and independent.
First steps
- Start by standing next to the wall, the sink, or countertop. Or if you prefer, you can sit in a sturdy, straight-backed chair.
- Warm up.
Breathe in deeply through your nose. Lift your arms above your head, and
stretch. Lower your arms, and breathe out.
- Do . Gently rotate your shoulders up to the ceiling,
backward, and down. Then try this movement in reverse. Gently rotate your
shoulders up to the ceiling, forward, and down.
- Do calf stretches while standing. Stretch one leg behind you, with your
foot flat on the floor and your toes facing forward. Gently bend your front
knee until you feel a stretch in your calf. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times
with each leg.
- Or do calf stretches while sitting. To stretch your calves while sitting down, use a towel. Place your leg out in front of you with your heel on the floor. Hold both ends of the towel and loop the middle of the towel under the ball of your foot. Gently pull the ends of the towel toward you while keeping your knee as straight as you can. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times
with each leg.
- . Stand with a chair in front of you and a wall behind you. If you begin to fall, you may use them for support. Standing in a corner will also work.
Stand with your feet slightly apart (as you normally stand) and your arms at your side.
March in place, lifting your knees high toward the ceiling.
Exercises for improving your strength
Regular physical activity can help you stay strong, and it is safe for almost everyone. Start slowly and gradually increase your activity. Talk to your doctor if you have any problems.
To do
any of these exercises, stand up straight and use a counter or sturdy chair for support. Start by doing each exercise a few times, and work your way up to 8 to 12 times for each exercise.