Improve Balance: Prevent Falls

Balance declines with age. Many factors contribute toward making the older adult susceptible to falls. These include:

* Impaired hearing and vision
* General loss of muscular strength and tone
* Arthritis
* Osteoporosis
* Vertigo
* Cerebrovascular insufficiency
* Neurologic disability (stroke)
* Postural hypotension (sudden decrease in blood pressure)
* Illness

Accidents are the sixth leading cause of death in persons over age 75, with falls being the leading factor. Changes in spinal alignment can make it difficult to maintain balance. Safe posture exercises and pectoral stretches to assist in the alignment of the spine may be beneficial.

It may be useful to perform specific exercises designed to improve balance, such as the sustained one-legged stand. Hold onto a secure object during balance training, such as a sturdy chair......
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