New Research Shows This Daily Habit Reduces Fall Risk by 40%
ABC del Bienestar – Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and hospitalization among seniors but what if a simple daily habit could significantly reduce that risk? According to a groundbreaking new study published in 2025, older adults who practice this one low-impact activity every day experience up to 40% fewer falls than those who don’t.
The best part? It doesn’t require expensive equipment, personal trainers, or high-intensity workouts. It’s accessible, gentle, and takes just 15 minutes a day.
So what is this habit that’s quietly revolutionizing elderly care? The answer may surprise you.
The study, conducted by the International Center for Aging and Mobility in partnership with several European universities, tracked over 3,000 adults aged 65 and older for 18 months. The participants were split into two groups: one that performed daily balance and ankle-strengthening exercises, and a control group that maintained regular routines.
The result? The active group reported 40% fewer falls and significantly better scores in balance tests, reaction time, and lower-body strength assessments.
Lead researcher Dr. Elena Moretto explains:
“The key isn’t intense physical activity it’s consistent, targeted movement that retrains the body to stabilize itself. Seniors don’t just lose muscle as they age; they lose awareness of where their body is in space. That’s what leads to most falls.”
It turns out, you don’t need a gym or even a yoga mat. Here’s what the researchers recommended for daily practice:
Participants were encouraged to do 2 to 3 short sessions a day, totaling around 10–15 minutes. Those who added basic breathing and posture awareness saw even better improvements in balance and fall response time.
Post-pandemic health challenges have led to increased sedentary behavior among seniors, especially those living alone or in long-term care facilities. Fall-related injuries including hip fractures and head trauma have surged, placing strain on families and healthcare systems.
This new research offers a low-cost, proactive solution that empowers older adults to take control of their physical safety.
“Falls aren’t just accidents. They’re often predictable and preventable,” says Dr. Moretto. “And now we know daily micro-movements can have a massive impact.”
If you care for an elderly loved one, incorporating this habit into their daily routine could be life-changing. Even seniors with mobility limitations can benefit by doing seated versions of these exercises under supervision.
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This study is part of a growing movement toward preventive elderly care. Instead of reacting to accidents, caregivers and health professionals are now focusing on empowerment through education and habit-building.
Many assisted living communities are beginning to include balance training in their daily wellness offerings, and public health programs in places like Texas, Canada, and France are launching national fall prevention campaigns based on these findings.
Whether you’re 60 or 90, the message is clear: you can improve your stability, protect your independence, and reduce your fall risk all by investing a few minutes each day in yourself.
Start small. Stay consistent. And know that your body is still capable of adapting, even as you age