New YMCA Fitness Program Helps Prevent Falls in Older Adults

The Tampa Bay area has adopted a new national fitness program at all YMCAs to prevent falls among older adults, reports WFLA . EnhanceFitness helps older adults build strength and improve their capacity for independent living, via cardiovascular exercises, strength training, stretching, and balance regimens. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rates EnhanceFitness as especially safe and effective for older adults with arthritis. The YMCA is working with BayCare Health System to help refer persons who are at risk for falls into EnhanceFitness. Participants meet three times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for an hour. More than 20 locations across Tampa Bay offer the program.