As you get older, you may notice that your balance is getting worse. This can make keeping up with the grandkids even harder, perhaps even dangerous, since poor balance increases your chances of falling.

The good news is that it's possible to improve your balance. To do that, there are three things that have to happen:

1. The first step is to simply believe that improving your balance is possible. Most people think that their deteriorating balance is just another side effect of aging, and therefore there's nothing they can do about it.

Certainly part of the blame lies with the passage of time, but a large part of the deterioration is a result of the decrease in your activity level in the last ten or twenty years. Activities like sports, yard work, and playing with kids all exercise your sense of balance just like they exercise your muscles and heart. As you get older and do less of those things, your sense of balance gets less stimulation which allows it to gradually diminish.

If using your balance less causes it to deteriorate, then using it more should cause it to improve, right? Once you understand this, you're ready for the next step.

2. Now you have to find a good balance training program. Many people make the mistake of just doing one exercise they find on the internet or in a magazine, like balancing one foot. That's just not going to be enough.

You need a program with a variety of exercises that can be tailored to your unique ability level. Ideally, your balance program should be safe to do at home and not require any expensive equipment. To get a program like this, you'll need to purchase a video or book. Once you've done that you're ready for the last step.

3. Finally, you have to actually do your exercises regularly. You can have the best program, but it won't make any difference is you only do your balance exercises once a week. Balance is a skill that is learned through repetition, just like playing the guitar or learning French.

By doing balance exercises, you're giving your sense of balance the type of stimulation it used to receive when you were younger and more active. If you believe that balance can be improved, find a good program, and do it on a consistent basis, good things will happen.

Now that you know the three-step formula, get started as soon as possible. Don't wait until you fall again to decide it's time to do something about your balance. Do everything you can to prevent it.