Simply tossing a ball back and forth can help older people improve their balance and prevent bone-breaking falls, a new study says.
Dr. Alexander Aruin, of the University of Illinois at Chicago found that seniors who played catch with a weighted ball showed physical improvements that would help them avoid falls and allow them to better protect themselves when they do lose their balance.
The researchers measured electrical activity of leg and trunk muscles to quantify the improvements.
Beyond the fall-preventing benefits, participants seemed to enjoyed the activity, Dr. Aruin said, often because of childhood nostalgia about tossing a ball.
"It seems that most people have very positive memories associated with playing catch," Dr. Aruin noted.
© 2026 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.