Hand in hand with the “graying of America” have come growing concerns about falls and fall-related injuries among older persons, and the AAFP has joined with multiple health and advocacy groups attempting to address those concerns.
As part of its Americans in Motion project, the Academy is a partnering organization with the International Council on Active Aging, which recently announced a new initiative -- Falls Free: Promoting a National Falls Prevention Action Plan. ICAA developed the plan in partnership with the National Council on the Aging, Home Safety Council and Archstone Foundation.
National Action Plan Aims to Prevent Falls Among Older Americans
By News Staff
3/18/2005
This story first appeared in the March 18, 2005, AAFP Direct.
The action plan, released March 9, outlines key strategies and steps to help reduce fall dangers for older adults. Among those strategies: Increase older Americans’ physical mobility; periodically review patients’ medications, with a focus on avoiding drugs that may contribute to falls; and promote home safety and environmental safety in the community.
The initiative also calls for creating Web-based clearinghouses to disseminate information and resources about fall prevention, as well as conducting a consumer education campaign to increase awareness of fall risks, particularly those associated with use of certain medications. In all, 36 strategies were developed based on input received at a Falls Free Summit held last December in Washington.
Successful implementation will require the collaboration of many diverse groups, including patients, clinicians, policy-makers, aging services professionals, and representatives of the building and construction industries, the plan notes.
The action plan and related materials are available from NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging Web site. Check out the site at http://www.healthyagingprograms.org/content.asp?sectionid=9.
The initiative also calls for creating Web-based clearinghouses to disseminate information and resources about fall prevention, as well as conducting a consumer education campaign to increase awareness of fall risks, particularly those associated with use of certain medications. In all, 36 strategies were developed based on input received at a Falls Free Summit held last December in Washington.
Successful implementation will require the collaboration of many diverse groups, including patients, clinicians, policy-makers, aging services professionals, and representatives of the building and construction industries, the plan notes.
The action plan and related materials are available from NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging Web site. Check out the site at http://www.healthyagingprograms.org/content.asp?sectionid=9.
