EXERCISE | For Strength and Balance

Physical activity is any activity that moves your body and increases the amount of energy you use. Regular activity makes you stronger, improves your balance and helps prevent falls.

To achieve health benefits and improve functional abilities, adults aged 65 years and older should do at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in chunks of 10 minutes or more.

Ask your doctor, physiotherapist, or health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.

Try physical activities for:

  • Improving Strength
  • Improving Balance
  • Improving Flexibility, such as tai chi

Resources

EXERCISE VIDEOS

The BC Government has some resources to help you exercise at home. Strength and Balance for Life (STABL) is a set of activity resources that support the well-being and independence of older adults by reducing the risk of falls.

They include:

  • Goal setting information
  • A tracking sheet to record progress
  • Strength and balance activities

There are three different levels of activities you can do at home to improve your body strength and balance. These exercises promote upper and lower body strength and safeguard against falls and fall-related injuries to the head, neck, and spinal cord. Start slowly and work up to doing these activities 2 to 3 times a week.

STABL resources are available in English. View them all on the Finding Balance BC YouTube page.

Access additional STABL resources at HealthLinkBC.

Fall Prevention Educational Videos

Watch these evidence-informed videos to learn about normal age-related changes, ageism, fall risk factors, and prevention strategies.

A physiotherapist can also help design a simple program you can do on your own to help keep you moving, and does not require a doctor’s referral.

Indigenous Sport BC Cardio Chair Workout Videos

Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) has some chair exercises available through their FitNation program. View the videos on YouTube.

EXERCISE | Classes

Find an exercise program in your area by contacting your local community centre. Remember to ask your doctor, physiotherapist, or health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.

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