Guides · Session design · 9 November 2026 · Thomas Schüller
Training balance to prevent falls
Why balance and strength exercises reduce falls in older people and what an effective programme looks like.
Falls are common in older age and often have serious consequences. The review by Sherrington and colleagues shows that exercise programmes reduce the number of falls in older people living at home by about a quarter. Balance and functional exercises work best, often combined with strength.
What it includes
Standing on one leg, walking along a line, rising from a chair without hands, shifting weight forwards and sideways. The exercises should challenge but be safe: with a stable support within reach.
How often
The World Health Organization recommends that people aged 65 and over train balance and strength on three or more days a week. The programme becomes effective over months, not weeks.
With the training planner
The training planner has an age group of 65 and over, builds in balance and strength by disclosed rules and outputs sessions with progression.
Key point: Balance and strength on three days a week, over months, with a safe support — this reduces falls.
References
- Sherrington, C. et al. (2019): Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1, CD012424.
- Bull, F. C. et al. (2020): World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine 54(24), 1451-1462.