How a Strength and Balance Program Can Improve Your Stability as You Age

As we age, several changes in the body contribute to reduced balance:

1. Inner Ear (Vestibular System): The vestibular system helps your brain understand motion and position. With age, it becomes less accurate, leading to dizziness or unsteadiness.

2. Muscle Weakness and Stiff Joints: Muscles lose strength and joints become stiffer over time. This makes it harder to react quickly or adjust your posture when your balance is challenged—especially if you’re less physically active.

3. Slower Reflexes: The nervous system slows with age, so reflexes and coordination become less responsive. This delays your ability to recover from trips or slips.

4. Vision Changes: Eyesight naturally declines with age, affecting depth perception and spatial awareness—both of which are crucial for good balance.

What Can You Do About It?

The good news is that balance can be improved at any age. Here are a few simple but effective strategies you can include in your strength and balance program:

1. Exercise regularly, focusing on strength and balance exercises (like tai chi, yoga, or specific balance drills).

2. Check your vision regularly and keep your glasses or contact lens prescription up to date.

3. Review your medications with your doctor—some may cause dizziness or affect coordination.

4. Stay active in ways that challenge your coordination and mobility.

5. Visit your physiotherapist for a review! We can help create an individualised falls, strength and balance program to reduce your risk of falls and potential injuries.

How a Physiotherapist Can Help Create a Strength and Balance Program for You

A physiotherapist designs a personalised strength and balance program tailored to your specific needs. They can assess your current strength, flexibility, and coordination, then design exercises that safely challenge your balance and improve stability. With professional guidance, you’ll learn the correct techniques to reduce the risk of falls and make everyday movements easier. Our trusted team can support you every step of the way, ensuring your strength and balance program is enjoyable and sustainable.

Ready to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falls? Book an appointment at Hoppers Physiotherapy, and let’s get started on your personalised strength and balance program.