You know hearing worsens with age. But did you also know your ears are responsible for another of the unwelcome challenges of aging? Changes in the inner ear can throw off your balance and leave you more susceptible to falls and breaks, says the National Institutes of Health.
There's not much you can do to slow the process, but you can compensate by building muscles that keep you sure-footed and steady, says Bob Greene, author of 20 Years Younger. He suggests–in addition to strength training–taking up sports that challenge and build balance. They include:
Badminton
Basketball
Bowling
Climbing
Dancing
Golf
Horseback riding
Ice skating
Inline skating
Mountain biking
Stand-up paddle boarding
Pilates
Racquet sports (racquetball, tennis, squash
Skiing/snowboarding
Surfing
Tai Chi
Volleyball
Yoga