Preventing falls can save lives

Each year, thousands of educators, caregivers, health and aging professionals, and older adults across the country focus their efforts on one goal: preventing falls among older adults. That’s why the Georgia Department of Human Services is partnering with state and national organizations to observe Falls Prevention Awareness Week, Sept. 21-25.   

Georgia’s Falls Prevention Coalition includes the Georgia Department of Public Health, Emory University’s Injury Prevention Research Center of Excellence and members of the Georgia Falls Prevention Coalition and Task Force, with guidance from the National Council on Aging.   

Every Friday this September, Georgia’s Falls Prevention Coalition will host Falls Free Friday webinars. Plus, partners throughout the state will host local events to educate their communities on preventing falls.

Falls are a leading cause of injury among people aged 65 and older, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. There are proven ways to prevent them. DHS, Area Agencies on Aging and partners throughout Georgia have embraced innovative programs such as: 

• A Matter of Balance – a small group workshop that offers strategies to help participants increase activity levels and reduce fear of falling 
• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention – an exercise program that improves balance and muscle tone while increasing participants’ confidence in their physical function 
• Otago Exercise Program – an assessment and a customized set of exercises led by Otago-trained physical therapists, designed to improve leg strength and balance 
• Bingocise – a fun, structured group activity using traditional bingo boards or an app, that combines health facts and simple fitness moves 

Visit https://georgiahealthmatters.org/workshops/fall-prevention/ to learn about options available in local communities and Georgia’s falls prevention initiatives. Explore additional ways to assess risks for you or a loved one and prevent falls by visiting the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence at www.stopfalls.org.

Together, we can reduce falls and increase safety for all Georgians. 

For more information about falls prevention, please email [email protected].