5 Balance Exercises Every Senior Should Do Today to Help Reduce Fall Risk This Year

Around one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls can be serious, leading to ER visits and potentially even death. Balance exercises can help reduce your overall fall risk and there are several activities experts consistently recommend. Shutterstock

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls among adults 65 and older caused more than 38,000 deaths in 2021 and led to nearly 3 million emergency room visits. Even more concerning, many falls are preventable with simple strength and balance exercises done consistently at home. Physical therapists and senior fitness specialists say that balance is not just about standing on one foot. It also involves leg strength, coordination, posture, mobility, and reaction time. Here are five exercises you can try (if it’s safe) that could improve your balance and reduce your overall fall risk.

1. Heel-to-Toe Walking Helps Improve Coordination and Stability