Some people think seniors naturally lose mobility as they age, but that’s not exactly true. While your body does experience some changes as you age, you can retain your mobility and stay active by focusing on balance training. If you aren’t already doing mobility work, you’ll be ready to get started once you learn the importance of balance training for seniors.
Balance Training Can Keep You on Your Feet in Your Golden Years
Seniors need to take balance seriously. Every year, one in four seniors over the age of 65 experience a fall leading to an emergency room visit or other advanced medical care. That’s why doctors and other health professionals often focus on the importance of balance training for seniors. Did you know seniors who participate in balance training have an easier time maintaining and improving their mobility than seniors who don’t?
Although most people don’t think that much about improving their sense of balance, there are many reasons to prioritize it:
- Seniors face unique balance challenges that other groups do not. Senior health issues like poor eyesight or medication side effects can compound existing problems and seriously affect mobility. Actively working on your balance is a smart way to stay on your feet!
- Balance training might sound intimidating, but it’s one of the easiest and least expensive exercise pursuits you can try. You don’t need any fancy equipment or a gym membership. All you need are some instructions and enough space to stand up and move around. With props and movement modifications, balance training can also be easily adapted for different ability levels and mobility issues. It’s a simple and accessible form of exercise that can have a real impact.
- Some seniors experience anxiety around mobility and balance, which leads to problems like social isolation. Working on your balance can help you learn to move confidently despite balance issues and help you keep enjoying life.
- Balance training will give you more benefits than just improving your balance. That’s because balance training also builds your muscles to help you move more easily. It’s an intelligent way for seniors to get the activity they need, and it can even lead to other physical health improvements.
- Improving your balance doesn’t have to be a tedious chore. Many different kinds of engaging exercises can help seniors improve their balance, such as swimming and yoga. Improving your balance can open a new world of movement for you. And if nothing else, you’ll have a lot of fun!
How Can I Get Started with Balance Training?
Before you start any new movement practice, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor. They can advise you on what to be careful about and what kinds of balance exercises fit your current health and ability levels. Talk to your doctor about what kinds of movement you enjoy, and see what they recommend. You can also find lots of helpful suggestions on the internet. Try something that seems enjoyable, start slowly, and see how you feel. If you stick to it, you’ll see results before you know it.
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Now that you know the importance of balance training for seniors, you know that making it a part of your everyday routine is a good idea. Talk to your doctor about adding balance training to your daily movements. And if you need more support than a daily exercise routine, consider what senior living can do for you at Kinship Pointe.
Are you hoping to retire in Nebraska? Look no further than Kinship Pointe. We offer independent living and assisted living communities in four locations: Kearney Northridge, McCook, Seward, and Wayne. At Kinship Pointe, our delightful staff works daily to help residents pursue their passions and live life to the fullest. We offer a full calendar of activities and other amenities to help you stay engaged and enjoy your golden years. Schedule a tour or contact us online to learn what makes Kinship Pointe unique.