Detroit Area Agency on Aging Takes a Stand to Prevent Older Adult Falls

National Falls Prevention Awareness Day brings Communities Together in Support of Healthy Aging

  

Fall is just around the corner, but falls shouldn’t be just around the corner for older adults. That’s why Detroit Area Agency on Aging is joining forces with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free^® Coalition to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 23, 2015 – the first day of Fall.

While falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injury for people 65 years of age and older, they are not an inevitable part of aging. This year’s Fall Prevention Awareness Day theme, Take a Stand to Prevent Falls, seeks to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injury among older adults.

Studies show that a combination of behavior changes can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Experts recommend:

• Participating in a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.
• Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment.
• Having medications reviewed periodically.
• Getting eyes and ears checked annually.
• Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.

The recent United States of Aging Survey polled older adults to find out about how they are preparing for their later years. It found that more than half of seniors questioned said they would be interested in the expansion of community-based health promotion programs, including falls prevention classes.

At senior centers and other community-based organizations across the United States, programs like A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi, and Stepping On help older adults gain strength, improve balance, and build confidence to help them live healthier lives and preserve their independence.

A MATTER OF BALANCE classes: A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based FREE program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls. For information about the next A Matter of Balance workshops call (313) 446-4444 Ext. 5348
Schedule of Classes, click here

About the Falls Free® Initiative
Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free^® Initiative includes 43 states  and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free^® seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative. Use #FPAD15 to join the conversation on social media.

About Detroit Area Agency on Aging

DAAA, whose mission is to promote healthy aging and enhance

the quality of life for older adults, is a private nonprofit agency

 established in 1980. DAAA serves more than 136,000 older adults

 age 60 and over and caregivers residing in the City of Detroit and

 metropolitan areas including the five Grosse Pointes, Hamtramck,

 Harper Woods and Highland Park annually. 

DAAA's services include Community Access, Wellness Services,

 Healthy Aging & Nutrition Services feeding about 6,000 home-

bound and disabled adults daily through the Detroit Meals on

Wheels program, Care Management Services for homebound

seniors, the Mature Workers Program for low-income individuals

age 55 or older, the Medicaid and Medicare Assistance Program,

Outreach Services, and the Senior Solution on WCHB AM 1200

 every Saturday at 10 a.m.  DAAA Location: 1333 Brewery Park,

Detroit, MI 48207  For further information call (313) 446-4444

 or visit www.DetroitSeniorSolution.com