Ever wish you could start living healthy easily?
Daily stretching not only improves balance and flexibility, it also improves endurance and strength. Allowing for more freedom and a greater range of movement, simple stretches can improve everyday activities like reaching to the top shelf in the pantry, or getting dressed. Try these simple movements to begin a daily habit of stretching.
Easy Stretching Exercises for Seniors
Neck Stretch
Stand or sit in a sturdy chair and slowly turn your head to the right until you feel a slight stretch, holding it in a position as to not tilt your head forward or backward. Hold in this stretch for 10-30 seconds before alternating on the opposite side. Repeat a3-5 times.
Chest Stretch
Again, this stretch can be done sitting or standing. Raise arms to your sides bringing to shoulder height with palms facing front. Slowly move arms back, squeezing shoulder blades together to feel a slight stretch, and hold for 10-30 seconds. Repeat this stretch 3-5 times.
Back Stretch
Sitting straight towards the front of a chair with armrests, with feet flat on the floor, twist to the right from your waist without moving hips, turning head to the right as well. Use your right hand to hold onto the arm rest, while your left hand is placed on the outside of your left thigh. Twist to feel a slight stretch and hold position for 10-30 seconds, before alternating on the left side. Repeat both sides 3-5 times.
Ankle Stretch
Sitting straight towards the front of a chair with armrests, with feet flat on the floor, twist to the right from your waist without moving hips, turning head to the right as well. Use your right hand to hold onto the arm rest, while your left hand is placed on the outside of your left thigh. Twist to feel a slight stretch and hold position for 10-30 seconds, before alternating on the left side. Repeat both sides 3-5 times.
Accidental falls and breaks can be greatly reduced with increased range of motion and balance with these simple stretching exercises for seniors!