Exercises Help You Catch Your Balance

Balance is one of those things that gets a little wobbly as we age. It's one of those unavoidable effects of aging. Loss of balance also makes us more vulnerable to falls which, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is the fifth leading cause of death among people 65 and older. Researches have found that there are steps you can take to slow the deterioration of balance.

Doctors recommend exercises that challenge the system of reflexes that govern stability and spatial orientation (i.e., balance). Balance pads, BOSU (both sides utilized) balls, and bongo boards are among the products being used in balance exercises. Many gyms and senior centers now offer classes using such balance aids.

However, you don't need fancy gadgets to exercise your balance, says Scott McCredie, author of Balance: In Search of the Lost Sense. McCredie says, "All you need to do is stand on one leg in various poses, and you can do that anywhere -- waiting for the bus or brushing your teeth in the bathroom."