Falls are a major cause of unintentional injury deaths, particularly among older adults, with studies showing many cannot balance well. This incapacity significantly raises the risk of mortality within a decade. Balance training is vital and can be initiated regardless of current ability, emphasizing that maintaining balance is important even for those who can pass a basic test. The article encourages an active approach to balance through simple home exercises, highlighting the importance of this often-overlooked skill.
While balance impacts both our longevity and our quality of life, it’s an often-neglected skill. A 2022 study by a team of Brazilian researchers found that 20 percent of the 1,700 older adults they tested couldn't balance on one leg for 10 seconds or more.
There's a downward spiral of the people who don't go out, who don't walk, who don't exercise, who don't do balance training, and they become weaker and weaker, said Dr. Lewis Lipsitz.
If you have tried the test (with a wall or chair nearby for safety) and didn't pass, don't panic: It's never too late to start working on balance training.
Having a good sense of balance doesn't have to mean handstands and acrobatics. In fact, you can start at home without any equipment.
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