Balance training reduces falls in older adults — one of the biggest causes of injury later in life.
Evidence
Exercise programs with balance components reduce fall rates in older adults (Cochrane).
Stretching myth
Stretching before exercise hasn't been shown to prevent most injuries.
Evidence & sources
Exercise programs, especially those including balance training, reduce the rate of falls in older adults living in the community. Evidence: strong. Known: Cochrane systematic review of 108 trials. Unknown: Benefits depend on doing the program regularly. Source: Cochrane (Sherrington et al.), Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community (2019).