By Dan Reiner | 9.21.2020
Approximately
25% of older adults in the United States fall each year. Despite being
common, falls shouldn’t be seen as a normal part of aging. After all,
most falls are preventable. Everyone is struggling to navigate the
challenges posed by COVID-19, but older adults who want to maintain
their independence and health should take time to understand and reduce their
risk of falling. To assist with this effort, we’re proud to announce
the release of a new, free way to help: the Falls
Free CheckUp
The
checkup provides users with printable results and a simple
score they can bring to their family, doctor, or pharmacist
to discuss. (That’s right—even pharmacists are part of the
team that can help prevent falls.) Having a simple point of
reference to help start these conversations makes them easier and more
effective. Both the English and Spanish versions
of the checkup take a very short time to complete.
Remember
that preventing falls is about protecting the independence of older adults, not
limiting their activity! Caregivers and family members should
use our conversation guide for advice on how
to make the well-being of a loved one the center of the
discussion. Despite physical distancing guidelines, there’s
still plenty that can be done to reduce falls. We have tips for older adults and caregivers, a
list of evidence-based falls prevention programs, and
a Falls Free CheckUp Chat coming to our Facebook page on Sept. 23 at 6:30
p.m. ET.
Falls
are preventable! Empowering older adults starts with information from
a simple screening, so complete a Falls Free CheckUp for
yourself and encourage others to do the same. You’ll learn something new and be
supported in the steps you take to reduce your fall risk. Use the
#FallsFree hashtag on social media to tell us about what you’re doing to
reduce the number of falls.
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