Simplify Your Journey to Senior Strength

Why Strength Matters for Seniors

Strength plays a major role in how we live. It helps with walking, dressing, bathing, and even spending time with friends without fear of falling. When muscle mass and flexibility decline, so does confidence. That’s where senior rehab for strength makes a difference.

Most residents in Civitas communities who have engaged in therapy showed measurable progress in:

• Balance and mobility
• Reduced fall risk
• Daily independence tasks

These outcomes represent residents standing taller, walking further, and enjoying life with more freedom. Rehab therapy offers a personalized, guided approach for older adults to exercise effectively, based on their individual needs and goals.

Senior Strength Exercises You Can Try Today

If you’re wondering how to stay strong in old age, starting with simple strength training at home or in your community is a great option. The following exercises can be done with little to no equipment. Always consult a physical therapist before starting any new routine.

1. Chair Squats

• Improves lower body strength and balance
• Stand in front of a chair with feet hip-width apart
• Slowly sit down, then stand back up without using your hands
• Reps: 10 times, rest, then repeat once
• Modification: Use the armrests if needed

2. Seated Leg Lifts

• Builds strength in the thighs and hips
• Sit tall with feet flat on the floor
• Extend one leg straight, hold for 3 seconds, then lower
• Reps: 10 per leg

3. Wall Push-Ups

• Increases upper body strength without floor work
• Stand facing a wall, arms extended
• Lower yourself toward the wall, then push back
• Reps: 10, rest, repeat

4. Heel-to-Toe Walk

• Improves balance and gait
• Walk in a straight line, placing one foot directly in front of the other
• Use a wall or counter for support if needed
• Duration: 10 steps, turn around, repeat

5. Ankle Rolls and Toe Taps

• Keeps joints mobile and improves circulation
• Sit or stand and roll ankles in circles
• Tap toes on the floor for 30 seconds
• Reps: 2 to 3 sets per day

These movements support physical function in daily lives and help prevent falls. But if you or a loved one is looking for real results, professional guidance in a community environment helps.

How Select Rehabilitation Supports Senior Strength Recovery

Therapy in a Civitas community with Select Rehabilitation is more than just exercise. It’s about creating a personalized plan that fits the person and their goals.

Key Offerings:

• Physical therapy to build strength, improve mobility, and recover from a hospital stay
• Occupational therapy to regain skills like dressing and cooking
• Speech therapy to improve communication and cognition

Residents recovering from illness, surgery, or inactivity benefit from rehabilitation services that target specific challenges. Whether it’s recovering senior strength after a fall or addressing chronic conditions, our team is ready to help.

Technology That Enhances Recovery

Select Rehab incorporates advanced tools that enhance results and motivation:

• VSTBalance: Identifies fall risk early and tracks balance progress
• Spiro100: Think of it as a streaming platform for senior fitness – on-demand workouts designed for older adults
• Mynd Immersive: Virtual reality experiences that boost mood and brain fitness

These innovations make therapy more interactive and engaging, resulting in better outcomes and fewer barriers.

Real Stories of Strength

If you’re wondering how to stay strong as you age, take a look at the older adults looking forward to the summer activities inside Civitas communities.

“I’ve always believed in keeping my body strong,” said Barbara W., an 82-year-old resident of The Brooks of Cibolo, near San Antonio.

After a fall and a personal loss, she used senior rehab to regain her strength and found motivation in the community around her.

“What I learned in rehab, I kept doing,” she said.

Today, Barbara walks confidently without her walker and enjoys playing card games, going on outings, and forming new friendships. Her progress demonstrates the ongoing recovery process, facilitated by the right support, leading to a higher quality of life.

Everyday Strength: More Than Just Workouts

Staying strong isn’t just about exercises or equipment. It’s a lifestyle. Here’s what our communities offer daily to keep residents moving and motivated:

• Walking clubs and yoga classes led by professionals
• Balance exercises integrated into daily routines
• Tips for a balanced diet to support muscle health
• Activities that reduce stress and promote connection
• Team monitoring to address needs quickly and prevent injury

Even in short-term rehab stays, we see progress that lasts well beyond discharge.

Why Summer Is the Right Time to Focus on Strength

In many areas, heat and weather pose concerns for well-being. Families worry about heat fatigue, fall risk, and what could happen without help nearby. Inside Civitas communities, therapy continues year-round — rain or shine, heat or monsoon.

By working on recovery indoors now, residents are better prepared to enjoy cooler fall days and active outdoor months ahead.

Your Next Step Toward Strength

Whether you or a loved one is recovering from a recent hospital stay or simply wants to feel steadier in your daily life, now is a great time to get started.

You don’t have to do this alone. Civitas and Select Rehabilitation are here to simplify the process. With expert guidance, personalized care, and a warm community setting, staying active is more achievable than ever.