If
you are a senior, having good balance can help to prevent falls and maintain
your independence. Falls are the leading
cause of death from injury among people
65 years and older, and the risk of falls increases
proportionately with age. By age 80,
over half of seniors fall annually.
Some
of the reason for this is a decline in seniors’ overall physical fitness as
well as chronic diseases, certain medications, and surgeries. One example is diabetes, a common disease in the
elderly that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage and cause
numbness in the hands, feet, and other parts of the body. Medications that lower blood pressure may
cause faintness or dizziness, and hip replacements and
knee surgeries can result in the elderly being unsteady on their feet.
While
many exercises help with balance including something as simple as walking,
experts recommend that older adults incorporate exercises into their daily
routine that are specifically designed to improve balance. Most balance exercises can be done at home
without any special equipment and only take a few minutes to do.
The
National Institute on Aging offers several balance exercises on their website. One example is to put the heel of one foot in
front of the toes of the other foot. Your
heel and toes should touch or almost touch.
Focus on a spot ahead of you as this will help to keep you steady as you
walk. Now take a step and put your heel
just in front of the toes of your other foot.
They suggest trying to do 20 steps.
MorningStar
at Jordan knows it is important for our residents to stay as
active as possible, which is why our monthly calendar includes exercises
designed to help residents improve their flexibility, balance and muscle and
joint strength. We also have other
classes and activities designed to enhance residents’ mental, social and
spiritual connections. Please visit our
website to learn more about our exceptional
assisted living home.
Please check with your doctor before
starting any new form of exercise.
MorningStar at Jordan’s mission statement “to
honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We
have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting
staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with
beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the
best assisted living home in the area.
Source: go4life.nia.nih.gov/exercise-type/balance