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    Health Topics for Older Adults

    Falls Prevention for Older Adults

    Falls are a threat to the health and independence of older adults. Learn more about the risks of a fall and the steps you can take to lessen your chances of a fall.

    Know the Risks

    Falls threaten the health and independence of older Pennsylvanians and the risks associated with a fall are not to be overlooked.

    • Almost 30% of Pennsylvanians age 65 and older have reported a fall in the past 12 months
    • Less than 50% of all falls are reported
    • 20% of falls cause a serious injury
    • 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls
    • Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries
    • Falls are the number one cause of death from injury among older Americans

    Take Steps to Prevent Falls

    Falls are not just a normal part of getting older — most falls can be prevented and there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk.

    Ask Your Doctor

    • To evaluate your risk for falling
    • To review your prescriptions and over the counter medications
    • To evaluate your need for calcium or vitamin D supplements
    • To review any issues that are causing you to experience periods of confusion or difficulty remembering

    Make Your Home Safer

    • Get rid of things you could trip over in your home
    • Add grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower and next to the toilet
    • Put railings on both sides of stairs
    • Make sure your home – inside and around the exterior - is well lit

    Live Healthier

    • Participate in strength and balance exercises
    • Eat a healthy balanced diet
    • Have your eyes checked
    • Have your hearing checked
    • Check with your podiatrist if you are having problems with your feet

    Prevention Programs

    Healthy Steps for Older Adults is a fall risk screening and prevention program offered to adults 50 years of age and older. If you are 60 years of age or older there are free or reduced-cost falls prevention services available to you. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for more information on helping you to remain fall free.

    Pennsylvania Falls Prevention Coalition

    The goal of the Pennsylvania Falls Prevention Coalition is to work in partnership to help Pennsylvanians optimize their quality of life by reducing falls, risk of falls, and injury from falls. 

    Key Partners of the Pennsylvania Falls Prevention Coalition:

    • Pennsylvania Department of Aging
    • Pennsylvania Department of Health
    • Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
    • State Trauma Centers' Injury Prevention Coordinators
    • Local Health Departments
    • Local Fire Departments 
    • Local Area Agencies on Aging 
    • Health Care Providers
    • Universities
    • Hospital Systems 

    The Pennsylvania Falls Prevention Coalition members work together to achieve the following objectives:

    • Increasing public awareness about falls prevention and fall-related injuries among older adults through education and action
    • Serving as a resource for tools and information
    • Supporting evidence-based programs and strategies

    If you are a professional or a representative of an organization interested in joining the important work of the Pennsylvania Falls Prevention Coalition, please contact aging@pa.gov for more information.