You may need to reconsider how you view vitamin D supplements, especially if you are north of 50 years old. That’s the message for older adults from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Task force members note while vitamin D supplements can be helpful for older adults with some medical conditions — osteoporosis, primarily — taking them does not reduce the risk of falls or prevent bone fractures.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 1 of 4 older adults take a spill each year. That leads to 3 million emergency visits as well as 1 million hospitalizations. These falls are a common factor in hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries.

So, what can you do to lessen your fall risk? After all, health is wealth.

First, remaining active is essential. Activities like aerobic exercises, weightlifting, and balance training help maintain mobility. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. Experts also recommend osteoporosis screenings plus vision and hearing tests.

If you are deficient in vitamin D, several foods can naturally provide your body with what it needs. You can eat fish, like salmon, halibut, and canned tuna, or egg yolks, and mushrooms. Milk and orange juice are packed with vitamin D, too.

Being outdoors and absorbing sunshine is a sure way to supplement your body. Perhaps you combine some of these strategies by taking a walk around the block on a bright, sunny day. Wear sunscreen, of course.

It’s a small investment in your long-term health and staying mobile deep into your golden years.