Each year U.S. hospitals have 300,000 admissions for broken
hips. Falling is often the cause of those fractures. As we age,
many physical factors put us at an increased risk of falling
such as: hearing loss, vision loss, lack of mobility and loss of
muscles mass. The average person will lose about one percent of
their muscle mass per year after the age of forty five. The best
way to counteract that is to use your muscles by leading an
active lifestyle. Balance exercises can help you stay
independent by helping you avoid the often permanent physical
disabilities that may result from falling. And you don’t have to
have fancy equipment to strengthen your muscles and improve your
balance. There are many easy exercises you can do at home. Stand
on one foot. - Stand on one foot behind a sturdy chair, holding
on for balance. - Hold position for up to 10 seconds. - Repeat
10 to 15 times. - Repeat with opposite leg Walk heel to toe. -
Position the heel of one foot just in front of the toes of the
other foot. Your heel