September is Fall Prevention Month with September 20th through September 24th being Fall Prevention week.  Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, unintentional injury, and hospital admissions for trauma.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• One fourth of Americans aged 65+ falls each year.
• Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of non-fatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.
• The older adult population is projected to increase by 55% by 2060, hence falls rates and health care spending are projected to rise.
• Falls result in more than 3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations.
• In 2015, the total cost of fall injuries was $50 billion.
• Each year about $50 billion is spent on medical costs related to non-fatal fall injuries and $754 million is spent related to fatal falls.
• The cost of treating falls is projected to increase to over $101 billion by 2030.

Falls, with or without injury, also carry a heavy quality of life impact.  A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements.  This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.

To recognize this critical issue, the Senior Center has several evidence based programs that can help people at any age be more stable and less fearful of falling.  The senior center has just finished a Matter of Balance class and will offer another class soon.  Until then we will hand out some information to help make your home fall free and safe.

Upcoming Presentations during Fall Prevention Week (September 20-24):

9/22 – Fall Risk Clinic @ 10:00am with Robin Tomer from Kindred at Home

9/22 – Safe Strides Presentation @ 10:00am with Robin Tomer from Kindred at Home

9/23 – Schuster Physical Therapy Presentation @ 12:00am