Falls are more than just a stumble; they’re a leading cause of injury for adults aged 65 and older, with one in four older adults experiencing a fall each year. While the statistics are sobering, there’s a hopeful message at the heart of this issue: falls are preventable.
Building Awareness Through Collaboration
The Metrolina Falls Prevention Coalition (MFPC) is a grassroots effort uniting medical professionals, aging service providers, volunteers, advocates and community members. Together, they work to dispel myths about falls and share evidence-based prevention strategies. Supported by Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA), the coalition serves nine counties across our region: Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Stanly, Rowan and Union.
The coalition’s three core goals are simple but powerful:
- Raise awareness about the risks of falls
- Educate professionals, caregivers and older adults
- Promote prevention strategies that are practical and evidence-based
Why This Matters
The financial and physical impact of a fall cannot be overstated. According to the CDC, $46 billion is spent annually on fall-related injuries. Beyond the dollars, falls affect independence, quality of life and the ability of older adults to age in place.
As Kristen Srouji, Aging Program Manager with Centralina AAA and chair of the coalition, explains:
“Aging in place and falls prevention go hand in hand. Bringing awareness to how to prevent falls while amplifying accessible and actionable steps older adults can take is crucial to
September and Beyond
While September is nationally recognized as Falls Prevention Awareness Month, MFPC’s efforts extend year-round. This includes supporting the statewide initiative STEPtember, a dynamic walking challenge that encourages North Carolinians to set group step goals and track progress together. Initiatives like this not only build awareness but also promote active lifestyles that help to reduce the risk of falls.
How You Can Get Involved
Fall prevention is a community effort, and everyone has a role to play. Here are ways you can contribute:
- Join the movement by participating in STEPtember or other fall prevention activities
- Bring fall prevention education to your community by contacting Centralina AAA at aging@centralina.org to schedule public presentations or workshops such as A Matter of Balance
Moving Forward Together
Falls may be common, but they don’t have to be inevitable. With collaborative efforts like the Metrolina Falls Prevention Coalition and the support of Centralina AAA, we can empower older adults with the knowledge, resources and community support they need to live healthier, safer and more independent lives.
