Exercise for osteoporosis is very important, not only to help increase bone density, but to improve muscle strength, balance and posture. These are the main factors that affect the ability to prevent a fall, and preventing a fall is potentially preventing a fracture in those with osteoporosis.

 The mind is a major obstacle for the elderly with many activities bringing on the fear of falling, especially if they have fallen before. So helping to improve their balance will make them more confident for everyday activities.

 Exercises classes are a great tool for older adults. The social setting of the class gives support and helps motivate those who may have been less willing to exercise in the past, possibly because of the fear of falling, as well as getting the physical health benefits.

 Obviously in an exercise class with elderly there can be limitations to what exercises they can physically carry out because of the range of conditions they have, whether linked to osteoporosis or not. For example, many have problems getting up and down off the ground, for some this can sometimes be an exercise in itself.

 Modifying an exercise so that it can be done sitting or standing can assist them in carrying out the exercise. If this is not suitable it may be best to perform a simpler exercise, or one more suited to the individual, that can then be progressed on to the more difficult exercise. It is then the aim for the individual to aim to be able to do the more challenging exercise once they become stronger.  

 In the osteoporosis class run here one individual was having considerable issues with his balance and he admitted that the main problem he had was the fear of losing his balance, so always took a walking stick with him. When he first started the class he could only get down to the ground for one or two exercises, and he struggled with the balance exercises, so those that were too challenging for him were broken down to a simpler form.

 After 7 weeks of attending the classes, and persisting with them at home, he can now do the more challenging exercises and is walking far better, taking longer strides rather than shuffling, only using his stick if he is in a crowded place like a supermarket. He now gets up and down from the floor with much less difficulty and last week was able to comfortably get down for all of the exercises on the floor.

 The benefits received from the class are not just physical. The support that this individual has got from the others in the class has motivated him to continue attending. The class challenge each other to always improve, trying to hold a position for longer or to do more repetitions in the time they have.

 So if you want to exercise for osteoporosis but are afraid to try because of physical limitations you may have, a supportive exercise class may be the right choice for you.