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For Immediate Release For Further Information With Falls As the Leading Cause of Serious Injury in Older Adults, American Geriatrics Society's Foundation for Health in Aging Offers Older Adults Life-Saving Tips On Preventing Falls Foundation Releases Comprehensive Fall Prevention Tip Sheet for Older Americans Every year, about a third of older Americans fall, suffering injuries that may require Emergency Room treatment or hospital care, result in nursing home admission, or even lead to death. Age-related changes in health and physical mobility often contribute to falls, so risks of falling increase as we age. To help seniors and their caregivers prevent falls, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Foundation for Health in Aging has released a comprehensive and easy-to-understand tip sheet, "Preventing Serious Falls: Tips for Older Adults and Their Loved Ones." The tip sheet explains what older adults and the people who care for them should do to protect against falls. Among other things, it recommends that older adults go for regular "falls check-ups," during which their doctors or healthcare providers may check their leg strength, balance, blood pressure, and vision, and review their medications, to identify and treat problems that can cause falls. The tip sheet also offers advice on eliminating falls dangers at home, such as loose carpets and clutter; and suggests other helpful home modifications, including installing night lights in dark hallways, "grab bars" near the toilet and bath tub, and no slip decals or a rubber mat in the tub or shower. ABOUT THE FHA In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine; educate policy makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults; support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults to be effective advocates for their own health care; and help family members and caregivers take better care of their older loved ones and themselves. ABOUT THE AGS Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research, and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,500 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies, and practices in geriatric medicine. |
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