Is a Mini Trampoline Safe for an Elderly Person?

A mini trampoline can be used to work on a variety of fitness goals, such as improving balance and performing aerobic exercise with reduced impact. However, because of the unstable surface, you should be careful using the trampoline if you are elderly. Because of the increased risk for falls and injury as you get older, you may want to use the trampoline with the assistance of a handrail or a spotter -- a person strong enough to break your fall if needed -- or choose an alternate exercise to supplement your workout routine.

  1. Risk of Fall and Injury

    • The rate of falls for the elderly is much higher than for any other adult age group; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in three adults aged 65 and older fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in this group and result in many hospitalizations every year; for example, there were 662,000 hospitalizations due to falls in the United States in 2010. The rate of mortality and significant injury climb with every increased decade of age, placing an increased importance on safety as you age.

    Using a Spotter

    • Using a trampoline may be contraindicated for you if you are an elderly person with balance issues. However, because the unstable surface of the trampoline can help you to target your balancing muscles and improve your reaction time when you lose your balance, you can use the mini trampoline with care. Many mini trampolines have an optional handrail. Alternatively, have someone serve as a spotter right next to you, holding you around your waist at first and then advancing to just standing at your side as your balance improves, so that you can more easily regain your balance and reduce your risk of falling.

    Floor-Based Pre-Trampoline Exercises

    • You can prepare your body for mini trampoline routines by improving your balance while on the ground. Have a spotter or a chair nearby to brace yourself with if you lose your balance. Start by standing on one foot and build up your ability until you can do this for three minutes without losing your balance. You can advance to forward kicks or sideways kicks to further challenge your balance.

    Joint Impact

    • You may want to use the mini trampoline to help reduce impact on your joints when exercising. If you have good balance and exercise often, this can be an effective solution for you. However, if the trampoline isn't safe for you, reduce joint impact by exercising on soft surfaces, such as grass or sand, and by wearing the best impact-reducing footwear. Consult your doctor about whether the mini trampoline is a good exercise for you.