Swimming can be an effective form of exercise for older adults who want to improve balance and lower their risk of falling.
A study involving nearly 1,700 men age 70 and older compared different types of physical activity with the likelihood of falling over a four-year period. Researchers recorded more than 2,500 falls during the study.
The results showed that participants who regularly swam were 33% less likely to experience a fall than those who took part in activities such as golf or rhythmic exercise. Swimmers also performed better on tests measuring walking speed and balance.
Researchers noted that swimming helps strengthen the core muscles that support the body during standing and movement. Stronger, more stable core muscles can improve balance and may help protect against falls. Swimming is also a low-impact activity, making it easier on the joints than many land-based exercises.
Although swimming may support strength and stability, exercise should be appropriate for each person’s health, mobility, and comfort level. Anyone who is new to swimming or has a medical condition should speak with a healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise routine.
For individuals who have experienced a fall or are having difficulty with balance or walking, physical therapy may help. Our physical therapists can evaluate gait, strength, and mobility and create a personalized treatment plan designed to improve safety and confidence during daily activities.
Source:
Merom D, Stanaway F, Handelsman D, et al. Swimming and other sporting activities and the rate of falls in older men: longitudinal findings from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project. American Journal of Epidemiology, 180 (8): 830-837.
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