Balance exercises for the elderly
As we get older, we gradually lose our sense of balance and muscular endurance and sometimes have difficulty walking. Dancing is a fun way to redress the balance. You can dance along with our video. Enjoy!
Why are balance exercises important for the elderly?
One in three people over the age of 65 falls several times a year, with half injuring themselves in the process. Good balance and strong muscles are key to preventing falls. By the time we turn 80, we lose up to 40% of our muscle mass, with muscle being converted into fat. Regular exercise that differs from your daily routine in some way helps slow this muscle breakdown.
How the elderly can regain their balance through dance
Regular exercise is much easier if you enjoy it. Many people are motivated by music. Dancing also helps improve balance and trains different muscle groups. Doing it regularly – especially with a partner – has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and mental health because it protects against social isolation and promotes self-confidence. Studies show that regular dancing significantly improves attention, alertness, balance and flexibility. And dancing isn’t only for young people – older people can also rediscover the joy of dancing from their younger years or find a new passion.
What awaits you in this video
Accompanied by swinging flapper music from the 1920s, teachers Monika Bühlmann and Claudia Jenny show you how to improve your balance through dance. In three parts, the dance duo take you through exercises that mobilise the hands and feet, improve your sense of balance, and train your coordination and circulation. In the final part of the video, Monika Baumann and Claudia Jenny show you the basic steps of the tango.
Practical tips from an expert
Daily dancing? Just do it! Claudia Jenny recommends: “Dance lightly from the living room to the kitchen when you hear an uplifting tune on the radio. Dance a waltz as you move around with your vacuum cleaner or swing your hips when you’re brushing your teeth.” The opportunities for dancing are endless!
Claudia Jenny & Monika Bühlmann
Monika Bühlmann uses dance to maintain her balance – and have fun at the same time. Dance teacher Monika Bühlmann developed the EVERDANCE® dance concept for the 60+ age group 15 years ago in cooperation with Pro Senectute. She now offers the training online with care professional Claudia Jenny. EVERDANCE® is a solo dance concept and is danced in a group – without a dance partner. After a dance-based warm-up to music, Monika and Claudia run through different ballroom dancing steps: from rumba and cha cha cha to tango and quick step. This re-awakens memories of long-forgotten dance steps, and the happy feeling of dancing quickly returns to the body. You can test the weekly online dancing lessons with a free trial subscription – or explore other offers, such as dance holidays.