What Exercises Can Help You Prevent a Fall?

by Tiffany Shubert and Rebecca Elmitt for National Council on Aging

Anyone of any age or ability can get stronger and improve their balance. And staying strong and having good balance are especially important for older adults. Why? Because staying strong and practicing balance skills are critical to managing your fall risk.

The stronger your legs, the better your balance, and the less chance you will experience a fall. If you do experience a fall, you are less likely to experience an injury.  Research shows that certain exercises are better for older adults to improve strength and balance. These exercises you can do daily, as part of your routine. The best part is they can be done anywhere, anytime, any place.

Exercises good for leg strength:

• Sit to Stand From A Chair
• Standing Heel Raises
• Lunges 

Exercises good for improving balance:

• Standing on one leg
• Side Stepping
• Backwards Walking

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