As we age, we realize there were many things we took for granted in our youth. Whether it’s skin elasticity, more stamina or better hearing, we can’t help but notice physical changes.

One change that may come as a surprise is that our ability to balance decreases as we get older.

Though falling in your ’20s or ’30s may not have been a big deal, falling after age 60 can cause a lot more damage.

Bayhealth staff development educator Dan Wagner, who teaches free “A Matter of Balance” classes at Bayhealth, helps older adults learn how to improve balance.

“You shouldn’t have to restrict the way you live out of fear of falling,” he said.

Some simple exercises to strengthen legs and improve balance are:

• Marching in place.
• Side steps.
• Heel raises.
• Seated knee raises.

Visit Bayhealth’s Classes & Events webpage or call 302-744-7135 to learn more about the balance classes.