You do not need to set your loved one up with a complex routine of exercises. Many of the on-land falls happen while they are simply walking from one place to another. Water walking is a great way to work and strengthen those specific muscles. Have them wade in to about waist deep then simply walk around as they would out of the water, swing their arms, keep their back straight, and try to walk normally (heel to toe). For added intensity, have them walk backwards or increase the speed. Jogging in place works well, too.
Closely related to water walking, sidestepping will help create lateral stability for your older adult. Have them hold the wall and take sideways steps with their toes facing the wall. They might favor going in the direction of their dominant or stronger leg and should be encouraged to go in the opposite direction too.
Have your senior stand near a wall submerged to their shoulders, with one foot in front of the other for balance. They can then raise their arms to the side and make circle motions under the water. Aim for fifteen on each side then reverse the direction of the circle.
With your loved one standing in a corner of the pool in chest-deep water, have them face the center of the pool and hold onto the wall with their hands or bent elbows. From here have them try to lift their legs extended straight or bend knees toward their chest. This is a good exercise for core muscles. A modified version can be done with them facing the wall and bringing their bent knees up if they are uncomfortable with the grip behind their back.
Standing in waist-deep water, have your loved one hold the edge of the pool with one hand and swing their outside leg forward paralleling the wall for five or more seconds and then backwards for the same amount of time. The goal would be 10 to 15 reps per leg.
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