Today marks the annual observance of Fall Prevention Awareness Day, an occasion to revisit the practical steps to prevent costly falls and remove risks at home and when using public transportation.
One in three older adults falls every year.
In September 2014 I wrote about my own experience of taking a fall that resulted in a fractured ankle and a healing process that included wearing a boot cast for six to eight weeks. Afterward, there were weeks of physical therapy to regain basic range of motion and flexibility in my foot.
I learned that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those 65 and over. And with baby boomers joining the ranks of those older than 65 at the rate of 10,000 a day, the number of fall-related injuries and deaths is escalating.
Could I have done more to anticipate a fall? I’ve learned that the answer is yes, most falls can be prevented.
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Fall prevention programs offer promising direction for simple, cost-effective help by eliminating known risk factors, offering treatments that promote behavior change, and leveraging community networks to link clinic treatment and health and social services.
For nearly 10 years, the Pima Council on Aging has been offering A Matter of Balance, an evidence-based health program for adults age 60 and over. Through the PCOA in Tucson, A Matter of Balance presents a series of eight, two-hour classes held twice a week for four weeks. The series of classes emphasize practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity.
A Matter of Balance is offered in a variety of settings in Tucson, Green Valley and Oro Valley. It’s held at municipal and county-run recreation centers for small group sessions led by a trained facilitator.
“Falls are not a normal part of aging and the resulting injuries can steal quality of life from older adults and their families,” said Debra Adams, PCOA’s vice president of operations.
“We can change this health and safety issue by bringing greater attention to the many preventive measures that can be readily employed to keep our older adults safe,” Adams said.
Last year, PCOA and Pima County Health Department officials brought together local and regional emergency responders representing several fire districts to discuss the escalating statistics of injuries from falls, creating the first Pima County Falls Prevention Coalition.
In November, the collaborative effort will start promoting public health and safety messages and announce free events to help reduce fall risks.
Specific fall prevention events, dates and locations will be available on the community health events calendar listings that appear on the health news page every Monday.
Adina Wingate is the director of marketing and public relations for the Pima Council on Aging. Contact her at awingate@pcoa.org.
