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Home for the Holidays Campaign Highlights Home Modification Options

News and Updates,

Most older adults want to continue living in their homes as they age. Yet many homes often need to be adapted to meet the changing mobility, sensory and cognitive needs of the older adults who live in them.

Several resources for home modifications exist, from AARP’s HomeFit Guide to Age Friendly Berkshires’ “Aging in Place Workbook.”

Now, N4A and the Eldercare Locator have partnered with the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology on the 2019 Home for the Holidays campaign, which also focuses on home modifications and centers on an introductory guide. Continue reading →

Falls Prevention Photo Contest Announced by NCOA

News and Updates,

The National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) National Falls Prevention Resource Center is sponsoring a 2019 Falls Prevention photo contest. Organizations that enter can win a cash prize of up to $300 and be featured in NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging E-News and on the NCOA website.

Details and rules are below. Please submit all photos and signed NCOA consent forms by October 31, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Continue reading →

CDC: Fall Deaths Increase among U.S. Adults Aged 75 Years or Older

Data and Reports

A letter published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that the number of fall deaths among U.S. adults aged 75 years or older almost tripled from 2000 to 2016. The study analyzed nationally representative vital statistics data and found that the rate of fall deaths increased among all age groups, but increased the most among the oldest age group. Continue reading →

Healthy Living Center of Excellence Recognized by NCOA

News and Updates, ,

The National Council on Aging (NCOA), a trusted national leader working to ensure that every person can age well, is honoring more than a dozen women, men, and organizations around the country who are working toward a just and caring society that allows all of us to age with dignity, purpose, and security. Among the honorees is the Healthy Living Center of Excellence, a partner and Executive Committee member of the Healthy Aging Collaborative. Continue reading →

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.

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 →