The State of Alaska’s Public Health Injury Prevention team, in partnership with the National Council on Aging, is reminding Alaskans to participate in National Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 21 – 25. Traditionally held the week of the first day of autumn, Falls Prevention Awareness Week works toward empowering all older adults to age well.
Falls remain a leading cause of injury for people age 65 and older. 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.
85% of non-fatal hospitalizations in Alaska’s 65 and older population were due to falls. Also, the most recent total direct cost of older adult falls in Alaska was $48 million. Injuries due to falls are the leading cause of non-fatal hospitalizations in Alaska, age 35 and older.
The state’s Injury Prevention Team issued a reminder that one of the most effective methods of preventing falls is by staying physically fit. The recommend utilizing the Alaska Workout To Go booklet to create a simple exercise routine that is easy to follow. It focuses on strength, balance, and flexibility with exercises meant to be done any time and anywhere. The workout is part of Go4Life, an outreach campaign from the National Institute on Aging at the National Institute of Health.