[Your State] Contact: NCOA Media Contact:

[Name] Vanessa Sink

[Email]

[Telephone] 571.527.3914

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[State or local organization] Takes a Stand to Prevent Older Adult Falls

National Falls Prevention Awareness Day brings Communities Together in Support of Healthy Aging

(City, State, Date) — Fall is just around the corner, but falls shouldn’t be just around the corner for older adults. That’s why [State or organization name] is joining forces with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free® Coalition to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 23, 2015 – the first day of Fall.

While falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injury for people 65 years of age and older, they are not an inevitable part of aging. This year’s Fall Prevention Awareness Day theme, Take a Stand to Prevent Falls, seeks to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injury among older adults.

“Older adults in our communities reported [#] falls in [year], resulting in [fatalities] and [$] in medical costs,” said [state official or organization rep, title of person quoted]. “We can change this by bringing greater attention to the many preventive measures that can be easily employed to keep our seniors safe.”

Studies show that a combination of behavior changes can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Experts recommend:

·  Participating in a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.

·  Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment.

·  Having medications reviewed periodically.

·  Getting eyes and ears checked annually.

·  Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.

The recent United States of Aging Survey polled older adults to find out about how they are preparing for their later years. It found that more than half of seniors questioned said they would be interested in the expansion of community-based health promotion programs, including falls prevention classes.

At senior centers and other community-based organizations across the United States, programs like A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi, and Stepping On help older adults gain strength, improve balance, and build confidence to help them live healthier lives and preserve their independence.

[Details or quote on state/local participation and success with programs, how it has helped state residents, plans for future programs.]

[If hosting an event:] In [location], seniors are invited to join [details on events planned on or around September 23, including where to get more info and/or sign up for a falls prevention program].

[If state/organization is part of Falls Free Initiative:] [State] is part of the national Falls Free® Initiative, which includes 43 state-based falls prevention coalitions and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies across the country dedicated to reducing fall-related injuries and deaths among older adults.

For more information, visit [state/organization website] or go to www.ncoa.org/FPAD.

###

[State Office/Organization Boiler Plate]

About the Falls Free® Initiative
Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free® Initiative includes 43 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free® seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative. Use #FPAD15 to join the conversation on social media.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging