The Best Balance Exercises for Seniors (and Why They’re So Important)

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As we age, certain things can become more difficult due to changes in our bodies. This can present challenges in what we are able to do, including moving around on our own, being active, taking part in activities, and more. One of the areas that is of particular concern as we age is our balance.

Why Should Senior Citizens Perform Balance Exercises?

Balance exercises for seniors are so important because they can help prevent falls and improve overall mobility. As we age, our bodies become less agile, and our muscles weaken, making it more challenging to maintain balance. By practicing balance exercises regularly, seniors can improve their balance and reduce their risk of falls, allowing them to maintain their independence and overall quality of life.

Falls can lead to serious injuries and can even be life-threatening, making it essential to take measures to improve balance. In fact, there were 36,000 deaths due to falls in adults 65 and older in 2020. Additionally, there were 3 million emergency department visits and $50 billion in medical costs.

Now, let’s look at some of the exercises that can help improve balance for seniors and decrease the risk of falls. 

The Best Balance Exercises for Seniors

The best balance exercises for seniors include a range of movements that help improve core strength, stability, and flexibility. Here are some of the most effective exercises to improve balance for seniors:

  • Tai ChiTai Chi is a low-impact exercise that promotes balance, flexibility, and overall body awareness. It involves slow, controlled movements that help seniors improve their balance and stability.
  • YogaYoga is another low-impact exercise that can improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Practicing yoga poses like the tree pose, warrior III, and half moon pose can help seniors improve their balance.
  • Heel-to-Toe Walk – This simple exercise involves walking heel-to-toe in a straight line. It may seem easy, but it challenges seniors to maintain their balance and improves their coordination.
  • Standing on One Leg – Standing on one leg can help seniors improve their balance and stability. This exercise can be modified by holding onto a chair or wall for support.
  • Toe LiftsToe lifts—also known as toe raises—can help strengthen the muscles in the feet and ankles, which can improve balance. Seniors can perform this exercise by standing with their feet shoulder-width apart and lifting their toes off the ground.

It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise routine, particularly if you have a history of falls or balance issues. They can provide guidance on which exercises are safe and effective for you and can help you avoid any potential injuries.

At Celebrate Senior Living, we are committed to celebrating the moments, victories, and memories that will last a lifetime for our residents and their loved ones. We are a Midwest-based foundation that serves Illinois and Indiana residents by offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing living options. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!
If you or a loved one are interested in senior living options, schedule a tour with us today! You can also learn more by exploring our communities, which include South Holland, Niles, and Fort Wayne, or by contacting us with any other questions!

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Doreen Triber
Doreen Triber
A friend of mine found Celebrate Senior Living for me after touring multiple Independent Living facilities. I eventually transitioned to Skilled Nursing here at Celebrate and I like that I didn't have to leave this community. I've been in skilled nursing for about 5 years now. Since I cannot walk, they have helped me with a lot. The nurses are great! They are truly wonderful! I am currently doing therapy 3 times a week and they are wonderful and nice to work with. I really enjoy the chef's salad and the best part is that you can order it for any meal. I've found my best friend here, Beth! We spend every afternoon together catching up in the parlor.
Vanessa Leon
Vanessa Leon
Had the pleasure of attending the Easter event! My family and I had a great time despite the weather. My daughter really enjoyed the live bunnies, they were too cute! 🐰 They had all sorts of treats and yummy hot chocolate! Definitely attending again next year!
Monica Moran
Monica Moran
Visited this facility during their annual easter event and it was a great experience! We loved that the easter bunny made an appearance as well to take family photos! They even brought real bunnies and the kids were able to pet them. Super cute! Great place to have an Easter egg hunt, it was super spacious. The facility was nice and everyone there was super friendly ☺️
Hilda Chavez
Hilda Chavez
We had the pleasure of attending their annual Easter Egg Hunt and we had such a good time, despite the terrible weather! My kids definitely enjoyed hunting for eggs, especially the Golden ones. They had a variety of treats and hot drinks and everyone was so welcoming, from the residents to the staff. They also had an Easter Bunny so the little ones were able to get some pictures with the Easter Bunny. I highly recommend everyone to attend next year! Overall, we had a great time and looking forward to next year’s Easter Egg Hunt.
fabian robledo
fabian robledo
Had a chance to visit this facility during their annual easter event, and all the staff were amazing! The facility is very well maintained and clean. They had snacks and drinks for everyone to enjoy and also an easter egg hunt for the kids! The easter bunny made an appearance as well to take family photos! Great place to be and an even greater time spent!
mat kanno
mat kanno
Therapy and rehab on my hip and back have been going great. The therapists I have are very knowledgeable and caring and although it will take me a few months for me to feel much better, the progress I’m making with them has been extremely helpful.
Cecelia Albregts
Cecelia Albregts
All the therapists in this facility have been very encouraging and supportive on my journey to assisted living. They opened a whole new world of possibilities, challenges, and goals which I thought I could never achieve, but I did and much more than I could ever expect. When I was learning to climb stairs, the therapist taught me techniques to do so, I trusted the therapist and said, "let's do it!" That's been my mantra ever since. Now, I can climb a while flight of stairs. Through the exercises, I'm getting stronger! Assisted living has become a reality for me only because of my therapist's hard work and faith in me. May God reward all of you for all you have done for me and continue to do for me.
Valeriy Sagalovich
Valeriy Sagalovich
I have been living in this house since February 2022. My apartment fully meets all my needs. The food prepared for residents is very diverse and tasty. The cooks and waiters are polite, patient and friendly. All staff, from directors to maintenances and cleaners is very professional, attentive and caring. I can confidently recommend this house for comfortable stay to every person.
Kathleen Madej
Kathleen Madej
So many people who work there show the utmost compassion and caring for my father who is a resident there - if I have questions they look to find the answers- if I have needs they look to fulfill them- I feel like it is family every time I go there -

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