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I'm a healthy 72-year old who wants to stay that way. Everywhere I turn, I see information about the need to keep up my balance skills. They say this will help prevent falls and fractures. But how do I do it? Is there a specific exercise I should be doing?

Good question! Falls leading to fracture is the number one cause of disability in older adults. Exercise IS the answer! And it's never too late to start.

Studies show that any kind of exercise helps maintain and even improve balance. Specifically, exercise that moves you away from your center of balance is ideal. Many seniors have added programs such as yoga and tai chi to their regular exercise of walking, biking, golf, or swimming.

Activities that challenge your balance seem to have the greatest benefit. But even riding a stationary or recumbent bike has been shown to improve balance. Strength-training with weights or resistance of some type (e.g., elastic bands) keeps your muscles strong and toned, ready for any challenges to your center of balance.

But a program of exercise that isn't kept up may result in a loss of skills, strength, and balance. All older adults should maintain a daily program of some type of exercise and activity. If illness or injury causes a setback, then try to resume any kind of exercise and level of activity possible as quickly as you can.

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