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Falling Is Not an Option: A Way to Lifelong Balance begins with an illuminating discussion about the nature of balance: its inherent beauty, its elusive source, its necessity, and its common loss late in life. The author details the importance of the postural muscles (those that involuntarily control balance and stability) and provides numerous examples of weight-bearing sports that require and enhance balance.The second part of the book presents 15 postures and exercises derived from T'ai Chi, which are described in words and illustrated with 120 sequential photos of the author. These exercises activate and strengthen the postural or balance muscles, and develop the ability to create downward force to increase stability.The postures and exercises - which do not have to be memorized and can be done at home - emphasize simple positions and small movements that are appropriate for those who have mobile impairments, including several exercises that acknowledge the common elderly struggle to sit down and stand up.