Balance Exercises For Seniors

Standing Balance Exercises For Seniors

A healthy person usually takes his or her sense of balance for granted. Most people don't find it difficult to walk across a gravel driveway, transition from walking on the sidewalk to the grass, or get out of bed in the middle of the night without stumbling or feeling unsteady. As we age, however, our balance abilities become compromised as the balance system composed of our eyes, ears and sense of touch from our feet diminish in their abilities. As a result, most people over the age of sixty do not balance as well as they did in their younger years. Consequently, balance exercises for seniors are important to perform everyday to maximize balance reactions and decrease the risk of falling.

Easy Standing Balance Test To Adjust Balance Exercises For Seniors

There are several standing balance tests to determine the level of ones balance abilities and the need for balance exercises for seniors or those hampered by injury or disease.

1. Standing Unsupported (Static Balance Test)
INSTRUCTIONS: Stand still for 2 minutes without holding onto anything.
SCORE: GOOD = Able to stand safely for 2 minutes without wavering.
NEEDS A LITTLE WORK = Able to stand unsupported for 2 minutes, but you felt unsteady.
FAIR = Able to stand unsupported for 30 seconds, but you felt unsteady.
POOR = Needed several tries before you could stand unsupported for 30 seconds.
VERY POOR = Unable to stand unsupported for 30 seconds.
Special Note: If you scored fair or worse on this test, DO Not do the rest of the tests on this page. Have balance testing done by your physician and physical therapist instead.

2. Standing Unsupported, Eyes Closed (Static Balance Test)

INSTRUCTIONS: Close your eyes and stand still for 10 seconds without holding onto anything.
SCORE: GOOD = Able to stand unsupported for 10 seconds safely.
NEEDS A LITTLE WORK = Able to stand unsupported for 10 seconds but you felt unsteady.
FAIR = Able to stand unsupported for 3 seconds.
POOR = Unable to keep eyes closed for 3 seconds because you felt unsafe, but you stayed standing unsupported once you opened your eyes.
VERY POOR = you felt like you were beginning to lose your balance and your friend had to steady you.
Special Note: If you scored fair or worse on this test, you can try the next balance tests but don't do them with your eyes closed.

Balance Exercises For Seniors On The Exercise For Balance DVD

If you tried the standing balance test and struggled with maintaining your balance, the Exercise For Balance DVD is just for you. The Exercise For Balance DVD includes specific teaching on how to balance and the best balance exercises for seniors to practice everyday. Order your Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button at the top or see

http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now