09/12/2025
Walking 1
Why is it important to stay active as we age?
As we get older many of us start to feel a bit unsteady on our feet and become worried about falling. However, there are simple things you can do to feel more confident and avoid a slip or fall.
You might be reluctant to ask for help. You might worry that accepting help will make you less independent. But really, admitting that things have changed and doing something about it could help you stay independent for longer.
It might feel as if moving less will help you avoid a fall. But, moving more and staying active is actually the best thing you can do to stay as mobile and independent as possible.
Activities that improve your strength and balance are particularly important as you get older because they can help your posture and co-ordination, so climb the stairs frequently, rise slowly and repeatedly to a standing position from a chair, start walking, playing badminton, dancing or practising yoga and take part in special strength and balance exercise classes, tai chi classes or exercise to music classes. If you have a condition that causes joint pain doing exercises that improve muscle strength and balance can be helpful.
