After 60: train balance and leg strength, and make the bathroom and stairs safer
Falls are a major cause of injury and death in older adults. Practise balance before a fracture teaches you.
What the evidence says
A Cochrane review (Sherrington et al., 2019) found that exercise reduces the rate of falls by about 23% (rate ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.83) in community-dwelling older adults.
Evidence grade: A: Cochrane systematic review (for exercise). See how we grade evidence.
What to do
Do balance and leg-strength work two to three times a week. Add grab bars, non-slip surfaces and night lights.
Where rules differ
Physiology is universal. Who pays for home modifications differs by country and plan.
Sources
Not medical, legal or financial advice. This page is general information. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Emergency: 911 (US), 999 (UK), 112 (EU). Crisis support: 988 (US), Samaritans 116 123 (UK).