YMCA Fall Prevention Programs for Seniors
YMCA of the Suncoast fall prevention programs are available for free to seniors who want to improve and maintain a mobile lifestyle without the fear of falling.
The Y offers grant-funded lifestyle management programs including Healthy Steps for Older Adults, a fall risk and prevention seminar, and Enhance®Fitness, a CDC approved program for improving mobility and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Enhance®Fitness
Enhance®Fitness is an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults. The program is led by an instructor who teaches participants simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active throughout their life.
In addition to the physical benefits, research has shown that, among older adults who participate in Enhance®Fitness, health costs were lowered each year by about $1,000.
Healthy Steps for Older Adults
Healthy Steps for Older Adults is a 2-day, 2-hour seminar-like class hosted at our YMCAs as well as a few community locations throughout the area. The program is an evidence-based fall prevention education class that covers safety topics like proper footwear, safety at home, good nutrition for bone health and the importance of exercise for adults age 65 and older.
Interested in registering for a Healthy Steps for Older Adults seminar?
More Information about YMCA of the Suncoast Fall Prevention Programs
Increase strength, flexibility and maintain or work towards improved mobility in evidence-based fall prevention programs Healthy Steps for Older Adults and Enhance®Fitness program at the Y.
Enhance®Fitness Fall Prevention and Lifestyle Management
Enhance®Fitness senior program participants typically notice positive improvements including:
- More energy
- Better balance
- Increased upper body and lower body strength
- More flexibility and range of motion
- Better sleep
- More feelings of happiness
- Sense of independence
Each group fitness class includes cardiovascular, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises, geared toward older adults and those with chronic mobility conditions like arthritis. Enhance®Fitness participants love the supportive environment and often make new friends and lasting relationships.
Healthy Steps for Older Adults
This evidence-based workshop program is available for free to all seniors who are interested in improving their fall prevention skills and need a place to begin. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with other seniors and learn from supportive program instructors in two, 2-hour seminars.
- Identifying fall risk factors
- Exercises to improve strength, balance, and mobility
- Home safety tips
- Fall prevention strategies
Healthy Steps for Older Adults fall prevention program is available at YMCA locations throughout Citrus, Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
How to Make Senior Fall Prevention Skills a Priority
In order for older adults to feel in command of their mobility, they need ongoing physical emotional support. The Y offers senior programs with certified instructors in evidenced-based fall prevention programs to keep older adults moving safely with their peers in classes and at home.
Seniors and active older adults can connect with community members in free, evidence-based lifestyle management learning workshops and exercise classes to prevent themselves from falling. Seniors and active older adults can learn special exercises to strengthen their bodies and manage arthritis symptoms in Enhance®Fitness and fall prevention programs with the Y.