Taking a tumble when you’re a kid is part of growing up. But falling when you’re over 65 can be disastrous. According to Marymount University, it’s the leading cause of injury for older Americans, and it can be deadly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said deaths from falls for older Americans increased more than 40 percent from 2012 to 2021. In Virginia alone, 967 people died in 2021.
In light of what the university calls a “critical health issue,” Marymount and its Center for Optimal Aging are getting $548,298 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to combat the issue. That includes continuing to work on fall reduction, expanding prevention programs to underserved communities, and enhancing long-term sustainability.
“While falls among older adults are unfortunately common, we know that for the most part, they are predictable and preventable. Falls are not an inevitable part of getting older,” said Dr. Sara Pappa, assistant professor of Health and Human Performance at Marymount and the principal investigator and coordinator of the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance, in a news release.
“By performing specific strength and balance exercises, making their homes safer and getting regular health check-ups, older adults can significantly reduce their risk of falling.”
According to the school, this latest round of funding will be used specifically to help those in Northern Virginia and DC through two programs: Stay Active and Independent for Life and Matter of Balance.
Marymount said new emphasis will be placed on reaching Black, Hispanic, and lower-income communities.
More information is online at the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance website.
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