Easy Ways to Improve Your Balance

Video: Dr. Adam Rosenbluth explains different causes for body stiffness and what to do about it Facebook Twitter LinkedIn I’m afraid of falling. Are there ways I can improve my balance?

As a doctor with a multi-generational practice, I’ve witnessed too many older patients have their lives turned upside down because they’ve taken a fall. Unfortunately, it’s a fairly

predictable event. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions says that falling is the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 and older and estimates one out of four older Americans

report falling each year.

Considering these numbers, it’s not surprising if you’ve already had a fall or know a friend or loved one who has fallen. These incidents may contribute to your fear. I believe doctors

should be treating balance issues and falling like we do high blood pressure — with preventative measures. In a similar way, you can take steps to help avoid a worse-case outcome.

Dr. Adam

Adam B. Rosenbluth, M.D., is an internist and cardiologist in New York City. Each Monday, he’ll weigh in on your questions about how to make your body work better for you. His AARP book will

be published in 2027. Join in on the conversation on social media @dradamrosenbluth to learn to move the needle on your personal health in an achievable way.

Email your questions for Dr. Adam to [email protected]

Balance is the key issue in preventing falls, and it naturally deteriorates as we get older. The good news is that it’s never too late to gain it back. My 90-year-old mother is a good

example. She was a ballet dancer who worked on balance for most of her life. As she aged, her balance worsened. But recently, she restarted her efforts and the results are impressive.

Several effective exercises can promote better balance, and we do them together a few times a week. Standing on one leg and counting for 5 seconds is the simplest exercise (if you’re

younger, you can try it for longer), but my favorite is a game we call “The Clock”.

Here’s how we do it: While keeping one foot firmly placed on a level, uncarpeted floor, she puts the other foot on different “times.” I’ll call out “…3 o’clock, 5 o’clock,” etc ... After

touching every “hour,” she switches legs. It’s a particularly good activity because it engages my mom’s brain, which is crucial for balance.