S.A.I.L. stands for Stay Active & Independent for Life. It is a strength and balance fitness class for adults 65 and older.
SAIL is designed to prevent falls and includes exercise classes, educational materials and self-assessments. The classes are designed specifically for older adults and focus on strength, balance, flexibility and aerobics.
The Knox County Health Department offers instructor training and support to maintain the SAIL program at senior centers in East Tennessee.
According to the Health Department, one out of three adults over 65 falls each year, but less than half talk to their health care providers about it. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
The classes are offered in Knox County as well as Blount County, Claiborne County, Loudon County, Monroe County, and Morgan County.
The classes at different senior centers may charge a small fee. For example, SAIL classes at the Frank R. Strang Senior Center cost $2.