Why Focus on Falls?
Falls remain the leading cause of injury death for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. CDC’s Injury Center monitors falls, fall-related injuries, and associated costs, reporting:
• In 2009, more than 20,000 older Americans died from injuries related to unintentional falls.
• In 2010, over 2.3 million older Americans were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries from falls and more than 650,000 were hospitalized. CDC reports the death rate from falls among older adults has increased by 42% from 2000 to 2006.
• The total cost of fall injuries for older Americans was estimated to be $28.2 billion (in 2010 dollars). By 2020, the annual direct and indirect cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $54.9 billion.
In addition to pain and suffering, and the high cost of rehabilitation, falls with or without injury also carry a heavy quality of life impact. A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, often self-limit activities and social engagements. Resulting limitations can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.This potentially bleak future for aging Americans is not inevitable; evidence-based interventions that target individual risk factors for falling have been shown to reduce falls and promote falls self-efficacy.
• In 2009, more than 20,000 older Americans died from injuries related to unintentional falls.
• In 2010, over 2.3 million older Americans were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries from falls and more than 650,000 were hospitalized. CDC reports the death rate from falls among older adults has increased by 42% from 2000 to 2006.
• The total cost of fall injuries for older Americans was estimated to be $28.2 billion (in 2010 dollars). By 2020, the annual direct and indirect cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $54.9 billion.
In addition to pain and suffering, and the high cost of rehabilitation, falls with or without injury also carry a heavy quality of life impact. A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, often self-limit activities and social engagements. Resulting limitations can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.This potentially bleak future for aging Americans is not inevitable; evidence-based interventions that target individual risk factors for falling have been shown to reduce falls and promote falls self-efficacy.
A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance. This program has been adapted from the original intervention to be more suitable for community-dwelling older adults by allowing small group sessions to be led by a trained facilitator. Learn more about A Matter of Balance.
Overview
A Matter of Balance emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and
fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance. This program has been adapted from the original intervention to be more suitable for community-dwelling older adults by allowing small group sessions to be led by a trained facilitator. For additional information on training opportunities and cost go to http://www.mmc.org/mh_body.cfm?id=432.
fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance. This program has been adapted from the original intervention to be more suitable for community-dwelling older adults by allowing small group sessions to be led by a trained facilitator. For additional information on training opportunities and cost go to http://www.mmc.org/mh_body.cfm?id=432.
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance
The program includes 8 Tai Chi forms that emphasize weight shifting, postural alignment, and coordinated movements. Synchronized breathing aligned with Tai Chi movements is also integrated into the movement routine. The program goals are to improve balance, strength, and physical performance for older adults. Learn more about Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance.