Every 11 seconds an older adult visits an emergency department due to a fall-related injury, but many falls can be prevented. Falls remain a leading cause of injury for people aged 65 and older. These falls threaten older adults’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. However, through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based falls prevention programs and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls among older adults can be substantially reduced.
Preventing Falls
One step to prevent falling is to enroll in a falls prevention program. Centralina Area Agency on Aging offers A Matter of Balance, a falls prevention program, through a network of providers and volunteers across the region.
Additional Tools from the National Council on Aging
Online Risk Assessment: This falls risk assessment tool is available at no cost. Visit www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeCheckUp and complete the short, 12-question survey that screens for the most common falls risk factors.
Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is part of the Metrolina Falls Prevention Coalition, an organization committed to empowering older adults in the Centralina region to age well, including avoiding falls. On September 21-25, Centralina AAA is partnering with the National Council on Aging to observe Falls Prevention Awareness Week.
