One of the most unnerving things that happens as you age is slowly starting to struggle with your balance. It starts out small, like needing to hold onto the wall or the backs of chairs as you walk, but can end with much more drastic results, like falling. 

When you live alone as a senior, falling can be deadly. You might break a bone when you fall, and if you’re unlucky enough to fall where a phone isn’t within arm’s reach, it’s difficult to get in contact with anyone to come and assist you or call emergency services. 

Here at Kingsley, our Canton senior living facility strives to make your stay as safe as possible – including doing our best to help prevent falls and other balance-related injuries. But our staff, while well-trained, cannot be everywhere at every moment, and if you live alone in your own home, you need to be prepared for any eventuality. 

If you’re looking for ways to improve your balance and help prevent falls, then look no further! Here are four tips to help you stay on your feet: 

 

1.) Do balance improving activities.

One of the best ways for you to be able to keep your balance is to consistently do exercises that are geared toward keeping your flexibility up as you age. Doing these exercises will not only increase your flexibility, but boost your endurance and strengthen your muscles as well. Doing this can help you stay on your feet when you feel as though you’re about to fall, or, in a worst case scenario, will help you be able to lift yourself up if you do happen to fall. 

Balance improving exercises can be done almost anywhere and at any time. They don’t require any kind of special equipment – just yourself, something to hold onto or sit down on, and a little time. 

 

A couple of these easy exercises are:

  • Balancing on one foot while holding on to the kitchen counter or onto the back of a chair;
  • Sitting down and standing up without using your hands; and
  • Sit down in a chair and lift each leg one at a time, straightening the knee, and then placing your foot back down. 

 

Once you get into the habit of doing a couple of these balancing activities and exercises in your free time, you’ll be improving your balance in no time. 

 

2.) Exercise regularly. 

When you exercise, you don’t have to constantly do only balance improving workouts. In fact, simply exercising regularly in general is great for improving your balance and strengthening your muscles, which can be a big help in preventing falls. 

If you’re feeling a little restless, most people’s first instinct is to go on a little walk to help calm themselves down. Or, if there is a pool available, others like to take a short swim. Did you know that doing something even as simple as going on a walk around your room, home, or yard or taking a few minutes a day in the pool can be a big balance booster? It’s true!

Doing easy exercises, even ones that aren’t focused solely on improving your balance, can greatly affect your ability to keep yourself upright in the event of tripping. Having the strength to be able to pick yourself up again even if there’s no one else around can honestly be a lifesaver in the future. 

Here at our Canton senior living at Kingsley, come and take a dip in our pool or get a group of friends together to go on a walk around our beautiful, landscaped grounds. Our health and wellness facilities make it easy to want to get up and get active!

A senior couple stretches and exercises together at Canton senior living

 

3.) Make your home a safe space. 

The place that you should feel most comfortable is your home. Your home is where you should be able to go to relax, unwind, and not worry about what might be awaiting you behind closed doors. 

For seniors with balance issues, though, being home alone can be a scary thought. What if you trip over your rug and aren’t able to pick yourself up? What if your shoelaces become untied and you trip onto your floor like that? What if you fall when trying to get in or out of the shower? 

As we age, asking ourselves these questions becomes more important than ever. We have to take into consideration things that might not have been so important before but can now have a major impact on our lives. Also, smart technology can help you activate and turn on lights with a simple voice command, making it easier for you to safely navigate around. 

 

4.) Get your vision and hearing tested regularly. 

This one may seem like a no brainer, but it’s something that a surprising amount of seniors don’t always stay up-to-date about. If you have glasses or contacts or use hearing aids, one of the best tools that you can use is your prescription!

Being aware of your surroundings at all times is one of the greatest assets that you have when you’re worried about preventing a fall. If you can’t see what’s in front of you, you’re going to be more likely to trip. If you can’t hear if there’s something coming, like a pet, or a toy, or a child, then making a wrong step is going to be a major risk.

It can be difficult to stay on top of prescriptions, but if you’re worried about your health and safety (just as you should be!), then they should be a priority to prevent a fall.

 

Being Active and Safe Here at Kingsley

Our Canton senior living here at Kingsley offers you what is sure to be a calm, serene, and safe experience. Our on-site health and wellness center makes it easier than ever before to get up and get active to maintain your muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Plus, with other residents around, you’ll never be lacking for a workout buddy!

Our housekeeping services are here to help, too. We can help you keep your apartment clean and organized, limiting any chances of a potential fall risk. 

If you’re interested in becoming a resident here at Kinglsey, we’d love to have you! Contact us and schedule a tour today!