Improved balance is a critical goal for many older adults, and Jane’s story is a perfect example of how accessible solutions can lead to significant results. At 80 years old, Jane faced the common challenges of reduced mobility and confidence in her movement, which often come with age. She lived independently but noticed that getting around her home was becoming wobbly, increasing her concern about falls. Her physician suggested she look into structured physical activity, and she found the answer in a Telehealth Exercise Program designed specifically for seniors. Jane's success in achieving improved balance through a virtual platform proves that age and location are no longer insurmountable obstacles to maintaining health and independence.
Understanding the Importance of Improved Balance for Older Adults
As we age, physiological changes can lead to a natural decline in muscle strength, reaction time, and sensory processing—all factors essential for good balance. According to the AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare), falls were the leading cause of injury hospitalisations in 2023–24 for Australians. Taking proactive steps for fall prevention is not just about avoiding injury; it’s about maintaining the ability to live life on one's own terms.
A sedentary lifestyle only accelerates this decline. Limited movement can cause joint stiffness, reduce overall strength, and increase social isolation. Conversely, regular, guided exercise has been consistently shown to improve mobility, strength, and overall well-being.
The Solution: A Telehealth Exercise Program
For many older adults, attending in-person exercise classes simply isn't feasible. This is where the innovation of remote healthcare shines. Jane found a lifeline in a structured, live-online exercise class.
The Telehealth Exercise Program offered by Summit Health Solutions is specifically designed to overcome these barriers, providing accessible, home-based sessions for seniors who want to keep moving. This program is rooted in the understanding that exercise isn’t just about movement—it’s about staying engaged and connected. The virtual sessions provide a supportive space where participants can regain confidence under the guidance of professionals.
Jane’s Experience and Path to Improved Balance
When Jane started the program, she admitted feeling nervous. Her initial movements were tentative, and she often reached for furniture for support. Her main goal was clear: achieve improved balance so she could walk with confidence.
The program focused on functional movements, including exercises to strengthen the core and lower body muscles vital for stability, alongside specific balance drills. Jane found the group setting surprisingly motivating. Even though participants were in their own homes, the shared experience and encouraging instructor created a strong sense of community.
After eight weeks, Jane reported a noticeable difference. She could stand on one leg for longer (with appropriate support nearby, of course) and navigated her home with much less reliance on touching walls. This newfound stability is the essence of improved balance.
A quick note on measuring progress: If you’re engaging in senior physical activity at home, you might be wondering how to objectively track your progress like Jane did. We’ve previously covered this topic in detail on our blog. For a deeper dive into self-assessment, you may want to check out our related post: From Wobbly to Steady: How to Read Your At-Home Balance Scores, which offers great tips on how to understand and interpret your initial and ongoing balance efforts.
Key Components of the Program Leading to Fall Prevention
Effective programs for older adults focus on multiple domains of fitness, all of which contribute to fall prevention and ultimately, improved balance.
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Strength Training: Building muscle strength, particularly in the legs, helps support the body and improves reaction time when a trip occurs. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Australians from the Australian Government explicitly recommend strength training to maintain muscle mass and bone health in older people, which directly supports fall prevention.
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Flexibility and Mobility: Gentle movements and stretches help maintain a full range of motion in the joints, which is vital for smooth, uninhibited walking and pivoting.
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Balance-Specific Drills: These are the targeted exercises, like tandem walking or single-leg stances, that directly challenge and retrain the body’s balance systems. A comprehensive meta-analysis of Exercise for Falls Prevention highlights that the most effective programmes involve balance and functional exercises, often combined with resistance exercises.
Jane’s adherence to the structured nature of the Telehealth Exercise Program, combining these elements, was the secret to her success. Her confidence soared, which is often cited as a key psychological component of improved balance and reduced fear of falling.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should older adults participate in a Telehealth Exercise Program to see improved balance?
Consistency is key. Most professional recommendations suggest engaging in strength and balance training at least two to three times per week. The structured nature of a Telehealth Exercise Program helps build this routine, with live and recorded sessions making it easier to maintain this frequency for optimal improved balance and fall prevention.
2. Is a Telehealth Exercise Program safe for seniors with pre-existing conditions?
The program is guided by qualified physiotherapists who demonstrate modifications for various abilities and conditions. Participants are always advised to consult with their doctor before starting any new senior physical activity, but the ability to do the exercises in the safety of one's own home, with options for seating and support, makes it highly adaptable for many older adults.
3. How is the Telehealth Exercise Program different from just watching exercise videos online?
The main difference lies in the live, interactive element. Summit Health Solutions program uses live group sessions, ensuring participants are part of a community. The instructors actively guide the class, provide real-time cues, and offer personalized modifications, which dramatically increases the safety and effectiveness of the senior physical activity.
4. What kind of equipment is needed for the home-based Telehealth Exercise Program?
The program is designed to be highly accessible. Typically, little to no specialized equipment is needed—participants may use common household items like a sturdy chair, a wall for support, or perhaps light hand weights as they progress. The focus is on body weight and functional movement to achieve improved balance.
5. Can I still socialize and connect with others through a virtual Telehealth Exercise Program?
Absolutely. One of the pleasant surprises for many participants, like Jane, is the social connection. While the program focuses on senior physical activity, the live group environment fosters connection, providing a supportive space where older adults can meet, share experiences, and encourage one another, which is a vital part of overall well-being and confidence building.
Jane’s success mirrors the global health priority of healthy aging. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides extensive guidance on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, stressing its role in preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases and reducing the risk of falls in older adults. By making structured exercise, like the Summit Health Solutions Telehealth Exercise Program , accessible to older adults across the country, we are directly contributing to better public health outcomes and giving people like Jane the tools for long-term fall prevention.
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