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Fun Exercises and Activities to Help Seniors Prevent Falls

Falls are one of the greatest risks to the health and well-being of an older adult, but falls don’t need to be inevitable for older adults. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of five falls causes a serious injury and it’s estimated that 3 million people over the age of 65 are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries each year. Falling is also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.  

The good news? You can take steps to minimize your risk of falling and injury. 

Help to prevent falls by eliminating these conditions 

Your risk of falling can increase for many reasons, including: 

Two additional reasons – lower body weakness and difficulties with walking and balance – can also contribute to falls, but taking action can keep you on your feet. 

Help to prevent falls with exercise 

Complete a few of these exercises at least 3-5 times a week to help prevent falls. If you’re unsteady to start, use a wall or sturdy chair to help keep your balance. Talk to your healthcare team first if you’re concerned about your ability or safety.  

1. Weight shifting 

2. One-legged balancing 

3. Heel-toe walk 

4. Leg raises 

5. Foot taps 

6. Head rotations 

7. Standing marches 

8. Sit-to-stands 

9. Walking 

Walking is a great exercise to help prevent falls and can provide additional health benefits beyond toning muscles and gaining balance. Go for a walk in your neighborhood or try a shopping mall or museum if the weather is inclement so you still can get your exercise. 

Source: Department of Aging Ohio 

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Additional recommendations to help prevent falls 

Remember, you can have fun while learning how to prevent falls. Try different activities other than just a series of exercises, such as signing up for a tai chi class, swimming or even learning dance movements.  

It’s also important to fight back against any fear of falling you may have developed. Older adults who have fallen often respond with anxiety that it will happen again and they may begin avoiding physical activity. 

Talk to your medical team for suggestions, including working with a physical therapist who can create a custom exercise program to help prevent falls, improve your flexibility and gain confidence in your physical abilities. 

Life at a Milestone Community 

If you’re looking at options for retirement living, we invite your family to visit one of our Milestone communities – designed to support your loved ones to live their highest quality of life. 

We offer studio and one-bedroom private apartments for our assisted living residents as well as private or shared memory care suites for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We also offer studio, one and two-bedroom apartments in our independent living communities. 

Our memory care residents are cared for by our compassionate and specially trained team who meet them wherever they are in their journey with patience and kindness. The residents also have access to customized activities, programs and secured outdoor courtyard spaces. 

Our amenities and services encourage our residents in assisted living to engage with others, remain as independent as possible and be reassured that help is available whenever needed. 

In addition to our personalized services, we offer: 

If your family is considering retirement living, we hope you will visit one of our communities. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. Please contact us with any questions you may have or to arrange a personal tour. 

We invite you to download our complimentary Senior Living Options Guide.  

senior living options guide download