Flexibility Stretching Exercises For Seniors And The Elderly

Soleus Stretch

Flexibility stretching exercises for seniors and the elderly for the lower body are important in maintaining our functional mobility as we age. Stiffness comes with aging and must be countered by a program of stretching and range of motion.

With age, our muscles and connective tissue lose their elasticity resulting in difficulty reaching to high shelves or bending over to pick up the paper in the front lawn. I like to call the calf muscle which includes the gastrocnemius and the soleus, the “heart of our legs”.

This is because when they are used in walking or standing on our toes, they assist in pumping blood our of our lower body.

Purpose of this exercise

Increases the flexibility of the deep calf muscle.Generally improves your lower body flexibility and functional use of your legs.

Step 1

Stand facing a wall.Place your right foot in front of the left.Place hands on wall for support.

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Step 2

Slowly bend your knees until a stretch is felt.Keep your heels on the floor.Hold for 10 to 20 seconds.Repeat with the left leg in front of right.

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Breathing

Breathe normally, in through the nose and out through the mouth.

Tips

Keep your body erect as you lower yourself. Go down only as far as comfortable. If you feel pain in your knees, stop the exercise.

Take it up a notch

Try holding the position for 30 seconds.

How to do Soleus Stretch

How to do Soleus Stretch

More Lower Body Stretches

1. Seated Lifts

2. Standing Quadriceps Stretch

3. Back Stretch

4. Inner Thigh  Stretch

5. Calf Stretch

6. Hip Side Stretch

7.  Hip Rotation Stretch

8. Soleus Stretch

9. Ankle Circles

10. Hamstring Stretch

11. Knee To Chest

12. Ankle Stretch

Resources Prevent Falls
https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-WhatYouCanDo-508.pdf