Most of us take the ability to remain upright for granted. Going on tiptoe to rummage through a kitchen cabinet, rising from a gently swaying recliner, climbing a flight of stairs: These are movements that many people wouldn’t give a second thought, even though they actually require a surprising level of coordination and balance. 

But our balance starts to go as early as age 50, and it takes a big dip by the time we reach our golden years. And that’s a serious health hazard: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, close to 40,000 older Americans die each year from unintentionally falling. However, there are simple exercises you can do to improve your balance — and our friends at Lindywell Pilates are here to break them down. 

In the latest installment of our healthy aging series, Lindy Royer — our favorite physical therapist and Pilates instructor — will run us through drills that you can do in your kitchen, your living room, even standing in line at the DMV. But first, you’ll take a 10-second test to see how steady you are on your feet — or foot, rather. 

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