Falling is a risk for seniors. In fact, US hospitals have roughly 300,000 admissions per year for broken hips -- many as a result of a fall. While cardiovascular and strength exercise is, of course, important for seniors. Balance exercises can greatly minimize the risk of taking a tumble. The National Institutes of Health offer these suggestions:

• Stand straight, legs slightly apart, and raise one leg 6-12 inches to the side with your foot in a natural position. Lower, then raise the other leg. Repeat 8-15 times.
  
• Stand straight, and slowly raise one knee toward your chest. Lower, then raise the other knee. Repeat 8-15 times.
  
• Holding on to a chair or table for support, place your feet slightly apart and bend forward at the hip until you reach a 45 degree angle. Slowly raise one leg backward (don't bend your knees or point your toes). Lower, then raise the other leg. Repeat 8-15 times.
  
• Try walking heel to toe in a straight line.

For safety, if you're a bit unsteady on your feet start out by holding on to a table or chair while doing balance exercises for support. You can also prevent falls by making some simple modifications to your stairways such as keeping them properly lit, installing a second handrail, and keeping the stairs free of clutter.

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As the baby boomer generation begins exploding into retirement just about now, communities will surely spring up from coast to coast for these folks to spend their retirement time in splendor and relaxation. But is that the best way to spend retirement?

Sure it is -- when mixed with a healthy dose of relaxation and physical movement (exercise). The simple act of walking a decent amount per day is a great solution to ensuring long-term health viability, and communities where walking is encouraged (and the community is designed for it) have healthy elders than other places.

Factoids like the length of community blocks, how many grocery stores or restaurants are nearby and how many safe walking areas are featured may work to decrease obesity in older people -- using what is called as the feature of "walkability."

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