Savvy Senior

Dear Savvy Senior,

I’ve always been a walker, but when I fell last month my doctor suggested I start doing some balance exercises. Is this really something I need to practice? What can you tell me?

Avid Walker

Dear Walker,

Most people don’t think much about practicing their balance, but you should, the same way that you walk to strengthen your heart, lungs and overall health, or you stretch to keep your body limber.

As we age, our balance declines – if it isn’t practiced – and can cause falls. Every year more than one in three people age 65 years or older fall, and the risk increases with age....