Balance exercises to stop mum from falling?

elsien

Mum is 73 and physically healthy but a bit overweight and unfit (she would beg to differ on the fitness front- we have many debates about the use of car versus legs!)
She has just admitted to having a problem with balance - if she trips, or gets down on the floor for any reason, she can't get her balance to get/stay upright, so has had a couple of falls. Nothing major, but enough to make her want to do something about it as it's happening more often.
I did suggest a visit to the doctor for a referral to someone who could recommend specific exercises for balance (and a general once over to rule out anything physical), but she won't go - doesn't want to waste their time, and there's no chance of talking her into it.
Mum mentioned the gym - as a supportive daughter, after I stopped falling about laughing and enquired if I could come and watch - we did wonder whether something like pilates might be more helpful?
Or does anyone know of any other exercises that would help with balance that she could do at home without having to visit a professional of any sort?
Thanks.

McKneff

I had to smile too, my daughter goes to Pilates and they have to balance on these great big massive balls, i just had a pic of yor mum in a wrap around pinny (no offence, it just came into my head, it was a sort of model of an old aunt of mine who also used to wear a turban in the same material) trying to balance on one of these balls.

Sorry cant help any more than that, just hope I raised a smile.
regards
Annie

charlieann

I know of someone who uses tai chi to help with and improve balance.
Definately noticed an improvement in their movements.
Its a slow paced martial arts, they say their class is full of ninja grannies!

elsien

I think I'll maybe not mention giant balls just at the moment, although I do feel a secret camera moment coming on.

Tai chi definitely sounds possible as well.

Mojisola

Work on her and get her to ask her GP if she can be referred to the Falls Clinic - or whatever name the one in your area goes by.

It's important that her GP knows about her unsteadiness. It may be caused by medication - if she's on any, it could be blood pressure problems, it could be mini-strokes, it could be an ear problem, and so on.

It's not time-wasting. Better she sees the GP now than gets rushed to A&E with a broken hip!

tanith

A walking stick would help in meantime.. she really needs to see her GP to see whats causing the unsteadyness.

elsien

I agree, and I will keep trying but I know a losing battle when I see one. She had a full once over about a year ago - went for something and got collared for all the blood tests etc while she was there. So she now sees no reason to go back when they've said she's fine, especially as someone who only goes when there's no other option anyway.
As she sees it, she's not falling for no reason, it's when she trips because she's not looking where she's going. Previously she'd have managed to flail around, regain her balance and stay upright, now she can't seem to regain the balance once it's gone.
It is possibly ear related as she says she's wobblier when her allergies are worse and she's all bunged up.
However any type of gentle exercise can only be a good thing, and if it doesn't work it gives me more ammo to suggest another doctors visit.

daska

I'd be considering a lifeline as well. If she does fall and break something, or knock herself out, how long would it be until someone found her? (They're not just for 'old people', I fall quite frequently and I'm young enough to have a 4 year old.)

belfastgirl23

yoga can be good for balance and might seem a bit less intimidating for someone of that age. You might well find that there are classes for over 60s in your local area.

elsien

Can I just add a request not to get too hung up on the age thing.
While I realise that older people are at more risk of doing themselves a mischief if they do fall, mum really is a young 73. She does voluntary work with disabled kids which is why she's realised that getting up off the floor is more of an issue than it used to be on the wobbling front.
I appreciate the suggestions, but aids and adaptations really aren't the way to go at the moment.

Mojisola

On the self-help front, tai chi would be very good.