Fall Prevention
1 in 4 people 65 years and older fall each year. Four Things You Can Do to Prevent Falls: 1 Speak up. Talk openly with your healthcare provider about fall risks and prevention. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines. 2 Keep moving . Begin an exercise program to improve your leg strength and balance. 3 Get an annual eye exam. Stay Independent – Learn more about fall prevention In 2016 in Arizona unintentional falls were the leading cause of injury-related mortality among residents 65+ years of age.
Falls can lead to a loss of independence, but they are preventable.
Replace eyeglasses as needed. 4 Make your home safer. Remove clutter and tripping hazards.
Tips
For information on exercise, fall prevention programs, or options for improving home safety contact: • Pima Council on Aging, Area Agency on Aging for Pima County 520-790-7262, pcoa.org • Southeastern Arizona of Governments Organization, Area Agency on Aging for Santa Cruz, Cochise, Graham & Greenlee Counties 520-432-2528, seago.org For additional information on fall prevention visit: • Southern Chapter of the Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition, HealthyPima.org/Falls • Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition azstopfalls.org • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Injury Center cdc.gov/steadi • National Council on Aging ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention
By making changes you can lower your chances of falling. • Wear well-fitting shoes with good support inside and outside the house. • Watch your step around pets and children. • Learn to use walking aids safely. • Exercise to improve your balance and strength. • Enroll in an evidence based fall prevention program. – A Matter of Balance – Tai Chi for Health – EnhanceFitness – SHiM (Safety and Health in Motion) • Identify and fix hazards in your home. • Discuss your responses to the checklist with your doctor.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/steadi This brochure was produced in collaboration with the following organizations: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Geriatric Research Education & Clinical Center (GRECC), and the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence
Page 28 | September 2019, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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