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A lovely couple riding bikes in the park.

Stay Active to Help Prevent Falls

Walking, gardening, golfing, exercising and doing chores around the house are great ways to stay active and social. But the fear of falling prevents many older adults from enjoying these and many other healthy activities. If a fear of falling keeps you from enjoying life, here are some tips to help.

  • Talk to your doctor. If you’ve fallen before or are concerned about falls or risk factors that affect your mobility, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can help identify things that may increase your risk of falling, like medications, health conditions, vitamin deficiencies, injuries or lifestyle factors. They can watch you walk to determine how steady you are and give you specific nutrition and exercise recommendations.
  • Safeguard your home. A fall can happen anywhere, even at home. Help maintain your independence by checking your home for hazards. Install grab bars in the shower and beside the toilet. Use a nonslip mat in the shower. Install handrails on both sides of any staircase and use them even if you don’t think you need to. Clear hallways and pathways of clutter. Pick up loose rugs or obstacles you can trip over. Ensure lighting is bright enough so you can see hazards clearly. Use the fall prevention guide
    https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-WhatYouCanDo-508.pdf from the Centers for Disease Control to make your home safe and reduce your risk.
  • Stay active. Regular physical activity can help improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength and gait. And reduce your risk of falling. Many exercises can be done in a seated position so you can stay active without worrying about falling.

Check to see if you have the SilverSneakers ® benefit today. SilverSneakers is a lifestyle and fitness benefit designed specifically for older adults. It’s included with many Medicare Advantage plans and select Medicare Supplement Insurance policies at no additional cost. For more information, check eligibility, enroll in the program or sign up for a SilverSneakers newsletter, go to SilverSneakers.com.

SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program – it’s a way of life. It may help you build strength and gain confidence so you can continue doing the things you want to do. Don’t let a fear of falling keep you from living your best life.

If you enjoyed this article, visit SilverSneakers.com.

About SilverSneakers®

SilverSneakers, by Tivity Health, is the nation’s leading community fitness program for Medicare-eligible Americans. The program was founded in 1992 and is available to more than 16 million Americans through many Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Insurance Supplement carriers, and group retiree plans.

Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Participating locations (“PL”) are not owned or operated by Tivity Health, Inc. or its affiliates. Use of PL facilities and amenities are limited to terms and conditions of PL basic membership. Facilities and amenities vary by PL.

  1. Membership includes SilverSneakers instructor-led group fitness classes. Some locations offer members additional classes. Classes vary by location.

SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. SilverSneakers On-Demand, SilverSneakers LIVE and SilverSneakers GO are trademarks of Tivity Health, Inc. ©2024 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved. CVS2029_0721

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