National Falls Prevention Week

In the United States, an older adult is taken to the emergency room for a fall every 11 seconds. Falls are the #1 cause of death among elders.

However, falls are preventable. Understanding physical, behavioral, and environmental risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of falling. So, too, can evidence-based exercise classes, like Walk with Ease, pictured here. The Center for Disease Control has documented a 55% reduction in fall risk for those who attend the 12-week "Moving for Better Balance" classes.

It is National Fall Prevention week. The Northern and Eastern Wake Senior Centers are offering programs all week which aim to inform seniors and their loved ones on facts about falling, ways to reduce risk, how to talk about fears related to falling and exercises that can improve balance.

Research suggests that many seniors hesitate to mention a fall for fear of being forced to leave home. However, without knowledge of a fall, family members and primary care workers cannot help a senior better avoid future falls.