Fit after 50

Healthy aging / Balance & Fall Prevention

Healthy aging

Balance & Fall Prevention after 50

Practicing steadiness so everyday movement feels more secure. Read a guide, or start with a small step you can do today.

A woman practicing a balance stand in a home kitchen.

Guides

Balance Training After 50: A Safe Way to StartWhy guidelines for older adults include balance training, how to practice near a sturdy counter, and when to ask a clinician first.Exercise and Falls After 50: What the Evidence SaysWhat the U.S. guidelines say about activity and falls in older adults, what multicomponent activity means, what the evidence does not say, and where to start.

Steps to start today

Practice five minutes of supported balance

About 5 minutes · Easy. Keep a hand on the counter the whole time.

Stand beside a stable counter or chair and practice comfortable weight shifts with support within reach.

You will need
A stable kitchen counter or sturdy chair to hold, and a clear floor.
How hard
Easy. Keep a hand on the counter the whole time.
Done when
You practiced shifting your weight for a few minutes, with support in reach.
  1. Stand beside the counter with one hand resting on it.
  2. Slowly shift your weight onto one foot, then back to the middle.
  3. Slowly shift your weight onto the other foot.
  4. Keep going at a calm pace for about five minutes, resting whenever you like.

Safety: Keep stable support within reach. Do not attempt this if standing balance is unsafe for you.

Evidence strength: strong. General information, not medical advice.

Learn more: Fitness after 50

Go deeper

Minute Tips for this area

  • Can you hold this? Practice balance near a sturdy support with a safe progression. Written now; video in production.

Make it yours

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This page is general education, not medical advice. Stop for a new concerning symptom and ask a clinician if you are unsure. How we review content.