Tips for preventing falls as you age
Each year, one in four Americans age 65 and older will experience a fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults and often result in decreased mobility and loss of independence.
Prevent future falls with exercise
Exercise is a proven way to prevent falls. That’s why it’s important to keep up an exercise routine, especially during the cold winter months when falls are more likely to happen. Exercises for fall prevention improve endurance, muscle strength and flexibility — keeping you on your feet. Not sure where to begin your fitness journey? Wellmark’s Medicare Supplement plan benefits can help you stay fit as you age.
Health insurance benefits that may help prevent falls
Many falls are preventable with exercise and appropriate health care. If you’re 65 or older and in need of Medicare coverage, consider a Medicare Supplement plan from Wellmark to keep you steady as you age. Download the Medicare Supplement Coverage Guide to see the plan options.
Looking for fall prevention exercise ideas to help you get started? These activities will help improve your balance, strength and flexibility:
- Walk, bicycle or climb stairs to strengthen the muscles of your legs and lower body.
- Use weights, elastic bands or a weight machine to build upper- and lower-body muscle strength.
- Stretch muscles and joints to improve balance.
- Consider yoga to build muscle and increase flexibility.
- Try tai chi to improve muscle strength while increasing balance.
- Check out these fall prevention exercises for seniors.
Vision and hearing are crucial for fall prevention
Impaired vision can affect your balance and doubles your chance of a fall, according to the CDC. What’s more? People with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to have a history of falling. This is because your inner ear controls and impacts the amount of cognitive effort needed to maintain your balance.
It’s important to have regular eye exams and hearing checks. That's why you can complete your Medicare Supplement coverage with Avēsis vision plans that include complementary hearing coverage.
Know your prescriptions to prevent falls
Many common medications can increase your risk of falling, especially for older adults. It’s a good idea to talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about any concerns you have about your prescriptions. They can help you take the right steps to decrease this risk.
Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet can also decrease your risk of falling. Your PCP can help you find the best way for you to reach these goals and stick with them.
Get the information you need to make Medicare decisions
Wellmark has the coverage you need to stay healthy and enjoy your retirement. Download the Medicare Supplement Coverage Guide to see your options.
Or, check out the Medicare section of Blue to get more of the Medicare basics.
Disclosures
Avēsis Vision is an independent vision insurance company that does not provide Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield products and services. Avēsis Vision is underwritten by Fidelity Security Life Insurance.
All Wellmark Medicare Supplement plans are subject to restrictions and may be discontinued. For costs and complete coverage details, call your local agent or Wellmark.
This is a solicitation of insurance. Enrollment and coverage in a MedicareBlueSM Supplement insurance plan is with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.