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EXERCISES TO HELP PREVENT FALLS STRENGTHEN YOUR LOWER BODY  Sit in a chair, arms folded across your chest, rise to a standing position, then return to a sitting position, as quickly as you

can, five to 10 times. Do it again, this time in slow motion. Alternate between the two. Stand with feet about hip-length apart and arms on hips. Step forward with your right leg and bend

both knees; gradually lower your body until your knees are bent at (or close to) a 90-degree angle. Shift forward so that most of your weight is through the front leg. Hold the position for

a few seconds, then return to the starting position by straightening your leg. Repeat 10 times. INCREASE ANKLE FLEXIBILITY  Work out with resistance bands (you can buy them in stores or

online for less than $10 for a set). While seated, place a band around the arch of your foot, holding the ends in each hand. Point your toes and flex your foot as far as you can. Switch

sides and repeat. Also try heel lifts. Stand at a kitchen counter or table so that you can lightly touch the surface for balance, with feet hip-width apart. Slowly lift up your heels and

rise up on your toes. Hold for five seconds, then slowly lower your heels back down. Repeat two to three sets of 10. IMPROVE REACTION TIME  When you’re watching the news, do sitting calve

raises or squats. Start slowly, and then try increasing the speed in which you do them. Sherri Betz, a Louisiana-based board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric therapy, is a fan of

Clock Yourself, a fun, challenging app ($1.99 for iOS devices) designed to improve your reaction time. How it works: You imagine that you’re standing on the face of a clock, right in the

middle of it. The app will randomly call out numbers. When it says “2,” you step on your right foot on the 2 of the clock; when it says “7,” you step with your left foot on the 7, and so on.

Bonus: By touching on different points and reacting quickly, you’re engaging your cognitive function, as well.