Balance is vital for walking, moving and staying safe. Although with age it is common to experience difficulty staying stable (which increases the risk of falls), many times this is not only due to age, but also due to everyday mistakes that weaken the body.

Below are the 5 most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Prolonged sedentary lifestyle  Spending many hours sitting or with little physical activity causes loss of muscle strength and joint stiffness. The muscles of the legs and abdomen/lower back are essential for balance.

• To do:  Walk 20 to 30 minutes a day, do gentle stretches, and include activities that improve coordination, such as yoga or tai chi.

2. Improper use of   footwear  Use   shoes  too loose, too high or without a non-slip sole is one of the main causes of trips.

• To do:  Wear comfortable, closed shoes with good support. Open slippers or sandals without adjustment should be avoided and always check that the sole has good traction.

3. Poor diet and dehydration  Lack of nutrients (calcium, vitamin D and protein) weakens bones and muscles. For its part, dehydration can cause dizziness and loss of stability.