The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast #522: Healthy Aging with Dr. Elizabeth Eckstrom
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Apr 20, 2026 
Elizabeth Eckstrom is a geriatrician and researcher focused on helping older adults stay active and independent. She discusses navigating retirement and finding purpose, practical exercise prescriptions (including Tai Chi to reduce falls), adapting activity for pain or disability, and pragmatic nutrition tips like a Mediterranean, protein-forward approach.
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Make Exercise Your Postretirement Job
- Do prioritize exercise as your "next job" after retirement, making it a daily routine that includes aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility work.
- Eckstrom recommends aerobic 30–60 minutes daily plus 30–60 minutes strength training 2–3× weekly and Tai Chi for balance.
Tai Chi Cuts Falls Far More Than Walking
- Insight: Tai Chi uniquely reduces fall risk far more than walking or typical PT by combining balance training with cognitive engagement.
- Eckstrom's trials show Tai Chi cuts falls by ~60% and classes build social connections that sustain participation.
Walking Helps Heart But Not Fall Risk
- Insight: Walking helps cardiopulmonary health but does not reduce fall risk and can worsen joint pain; balance/strength training are required to prevent falls.
- Eckstrom states walking gives cardiovascular benefit but is "0%" for fall prevention, so add Tai Chi and resistance work.
