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August 30, 2015 - By: Danbury-Seniors
What is Falls Prevention Awareness Day and why is it so important?
According to the National Council on Aging, Falls Prevention Awareness Day “seeks to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults.”
The Council further educates us by helping us to understand why it’s important to focus on falls.
Here is what they say:
Falls remain the leading cause of injury death for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. The Center for Disease Control’s Injury Center monitors falls, fall-related injuries, and associated costs, reporting:
- One-third of Americans aged 65+ falls each year.
- Every 13 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.
- Falls result in more than 2.5 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 734,000 hospitalizations and more than 21,700 deaths.
- In 2013, the total cost of fall injuries was $34 billion. By 2020, the annual direct and indirect cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $67.7 billion.
In addition to pain and suffering, and the high cost of rehabilitation, 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, often self-limit activities and social engagements. Resulting limitations can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.
This potentially bleak future for aging Americans is not inevitable; evidence-based interventions that target individual risk factors for falling have been shown to reduce falls and promote falls self-efficacy.
How the Elmwood Hall Senior Center is participating:
Falls Prevention Awareness Day – Join us on September 23rd at 1:00 as we welcome the Physical Therapists from Main Street Rehab in Danbury to help us learn how to prevent falls and live a healthier life. Free, all are welcome.
Additional Program:
Checklist for Safety on Wednesday, September 30 at 1:00. Your comfort and independence matter and safety is key when trying to stay in your home as you age. Falling is the number one reason why people are forced to leave the homes they love. Age in Place CT knows what you should be looking for to ensure safety in the home. Correcting these things can prevent falls so your home continues to be the safe-haven that it has always been. Presented by Age in Place CT, LLC is a wholly owned division of MLC Associates LLC. MLC is a 30 year old, full service general construction company specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations.
On-Going Program:
Evidence Based Tai Chi – Tai Chi at Elmwood Hall is based on the work of Dr. Fuzhong Li, Ph.d, a leading tai chi researcher. Taught by Susan Bradley, who is certified in the Yang style Dr. Li teaches, this class is proven to help reduce stress and improve concentration, balance, strength, and flexibility. This is a combination of gentle movements that exercise both the mind and body that causes minimal strain. Ideal for all fitness levels, beginners welcomed. This class meets on Tuesdays at 9:00 am. Cost is $2 per class.
To learn more about the Falls Free Initiative in Connecticut, click here >