Did you know that:
- Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults?
- Falls are the primary cause of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-related deaths?
- The highest percentage of TBI-related deaths were among those over the age of 65 (41%)?
- Vermont was ranked 41st in the nation with regards to the % of adults 65 and older who had reported falling in the last 12 months? (America’s Health Rankings Senior Report)
The Falls Free Vermont Coalition, together with the Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living, Vermont Area Agencies on Aging, University of Vermont Center on Aging, Vermont Emergency Medical Services and healthcare systems providers, encourages the use of free falls risk screenings and falls prevention programs offered in communities around the state.
All of us, and especially older Vermonters, can remain independent and reduce our chances of falling by engaging in regular exercise, reviewing our medications with a healthcare provider, having our eyes checked annually, and making our homes safer.
Please help Vermont raise awareness and prevent falls by supporting evidence based interventions, community partnerships, and education to substantially reduce the numbers of falls.
People can learn more by visiting Falls Free Vermont Coalition or by calling the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119. Help spread the word!