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NCOA Running Falls Prevention Photo and Story Contest

Stories from the Field

In preparation for Falls Prevention Awareness Day in September the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is sponsoring a “photo and story” contest to illustrate and convey the great work being done nationwide to prevent falls.

Winners will receive prizes issued to the individual/organization submitting the entry and will be featured in NCOA materials, including information provided to the media and on the organizations website. Prizes are: 1st prize: $300; 2nd prize: $250; 3rd prize: $200. Photo entries must be submitted by August 25 at 11:59pm ET.

Details are available in NCOA’s Photo Contest Flyer.

2015 Falls Free® National Falls Prevention Action Plan

This updated plan builds on the original Falls Free® National Action Plan, released in 2005, and is the product of key recommendations and strategies collected during the Falls Prevention Summit, a White House Conference on Aging event held in April 2015. Source: ncoa.org

Issue Brief: Funding for Elder Falls Prevention

“The nation is spending over $30 billion annually on direct medical costs arising from elder falls. This Issue Brief outlines the problem, presents research on significant returns on investment and reductions in falls among prevention interventions, and calls for providing $10 million for elder falls prevention from the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF) in FY 2016, as the Senate Appropriations Committee recommended for FY12, FY13, and FY14.” – National Council on Aging

A Fall May Signify More Than Just an Accident

Stories from the Field

By John L. Brusch M.D., Associate Chief of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance

Falls are common among adults older than 65.  An estimated 14% of older adults in Massachusetts reported falling in the past three months. In about a third of these cases, they suffered an injury that needed medical care or restricted their usual activities for at least a day. Injuries from falling can include bruising, hip fractures, head trauma, or major lacerations. Sometimes complications from falls can be fatal— they are the fifth leading cause of death in older adults. Even the mere fear of falling can adversely affect elders, who may restrict their activities to avoid possible injury.  Such social isolation can lead to significant physical and emotional consequences. Continue reading →

What are you doing for Falls Prevention Awareness Day?

Programs

Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults, but there are many ways that older adults can prevent falls, including:

  • Exercise to improve strength and balance,
  • Good nutrition that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D,
  • Reviewing medications to avoid drowsiness and dizziness,
  • Ensuring good vision through regular check-ups and wearing appropriate glasses or contact lenses,
  • Removing potential hazards at home like clutter, slippery surfaces, and poor lighting, and
  • Participating in falls prevention programs like A Matter of Balance.  Continue reading →

Preventing Falls in Older Adults – Research Guide

Source: Hebrew SeniorLife

The purpose of the Preventing Falls Guide is to provide evidence-based information for older adults, family members and health care providers for seniors in the area of falls prevention.

National Council on Aging

Visit the National Council on Aging website for information on disease prevention, benefits checkups, elder abuse, falls prevention, Medicare, and more. Find resources in many topic areas geared toward aging professionals, older adults, aging advocates and caregivers.

National Falls Prevention Resource Center

The NCOA leads the National Falls Prevention Resource Center, which supports the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based falls prevention programs and strategies across the nation. Visit this page for tools, resources, webinars, and technical assistance.