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Staying Healthy
Balancing act
Falls continue to be the leading cause of injuries among older adults. Practicing balance exercises can help keep you steady.
Image: © laflor/Getty Images
Every year, about one-quarter of adults older than age 65 experience at least one accidental fall. The impact of a fall can be devastating. About 20% of falls result in a serious injury like broken bones in the wrist, arm, and ankle; hip fractures; and head injuries. Surgery or rehabilitation may be needed, which may impair your mobility. A fall also could cause psychological trauma and make you fearful of being active.
"You want to do whatever you can to avoid a fall," says Dr. Adam Tenforde, a sports medicine physician at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.
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