When it comes to physical health for aging adults, balance plays a pivotal role. Falling is one of the leading causes of injury or death for seniors in the United States. But how can seniors improve their balance? The answer is to engage in balance exercises for seniors. Call 844.785.0871 to speak with someone from Ventana’s caring and compassionate staff about our VentanaFit program in Dallas. Find out how our senior living community can help older adults with staying healthy as they age.
Balance Exercises for Seniors Working on Staying Healthy
Examples of balance exercises for seniors include:
- Single limb stance – Stand behind a solid chair and hold the back of the chair. Lift your right foot while balancing on your left. Hold the position as long as you can, and then switch legs. Work up to one minute on each side.
- Back and forth – Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Stand firmly on the ground with your eyes forward. Slowly place all your weight on your right foot until the left comes off the ground. Hold that position for up to 30 seconds, and then switch sides.
- Leg raises – Hold onto a chair and slowly lift your right leg back. Keep your leg straight, raise it as high as possible, and hold the pose for one second. Repeat up to 15 times on each leg. This can also be done forwards or sideways by raising your leg in front of you or to the side. Set a chair on your right or left side for support.
- Squats – From a standing position, hold the back of a sturdy chair and slowly perform a squatting motion, going as low as comfortable. You can also perform this by actually sitting down and standing back up. Repeat 10 times.
- Marching in place – Alternate lifting your right and left knees as high as possible. Use a chair to support yourself if needed. Aim to repeat the exercise 20 times on each side.
- Wall pushups – Strength training for your arms is essential to balance. Stand arm’s length in front of a blank wall. Lean forward with your palms and gently push yourself back off the wall, so your arms are straight. Repeat 20 times if possible.
- Shoulder rolls and arm circles – From a seated or standing position, gently rotate your shoulders in a circular motion forward and then repeat backward. Raise your arms out at your side and repeat for more of a full-arm workout.
- Hand and finger stretch – Use your fingers to climb a blank wall in front of you until they are above your head. From there, wiggle your fingers for ten seconds and then repeat.
- Foot taps – Using a stair or step stool, lift one foot and tap the step for one second, then return to the starting position. Repeat this motion 10 times on each leg.
For seniors, balance exercises promote balance and stability within the body. These activities can be done seated or standing, depending on the individual’s physical health.
About VentanaFit
When it comes to improving balance for seniors, there are various options. Following these at-home exercises is a great place to start. Still, to make your physical health more of a priority, you could meet with a physical therapist or take advantage of the unique amenities offered at Ventana.
Ventana offers strong partnerships that provide first-class amenities for its members. With partners like Cooper Aerobics and dynamic programming such as VentanaFit, it’s easy for seniors to stay physically active and focus on strengthening their bodies in a way that promotes staying healthy.
Find a Senior Living Community in Florida at Ventana
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is ideal if you want to spend your later years in a place full of activity, vibrancy, wellness, and enjoyment. Ventana is a luxury CCRC in Dallas that will change how you view retirement. Focus on your health and well-being in an environment that supports your goals. Contact Ventana today at 844.785.0871 to learn more about our CCRC or schedule a facility tour.