Escanaba, Michigan – September 18, 2015 – One-third of Americans over age 65 will fall each year, with falls attributing to the highest number of emergency room visits among older adults. For seniors, both falling and the fear of falling can decrease their independence and quality of life.
To combat this growing statistic, the Upper Peninsula Area Agency on Aging/UPCAP is marking the National Council on Aging’s National Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 23 by drawing attention to free Michigan programs available in seniors’ local communities that can help them avoid falls.
UPCAP and many community partners throughout the UP are offering an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance. The series of classes is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls. Participants learn how to reduce fall risks in their environment, increase balance with exercise, view falls as controllable and set realistic goals for increased activity.
The classes are based on a proven program created by Boston University, and 97 percent of seniors who have taken A Matter of Balance classes would recommend the program to others. Information about the program serving Michigan residents age 60 and older and their caregivers can be found on UPCAP’s website, www.upcap.org. Specific class times and locations can be found on the website or by calling UPCAP at 1-800-338-7227 or by dialing 2-1-1.
“The total cost of fall injuries is $34 billion a year, yet it costs seniors nothing for this excellent program that protects and enhances a person’s quality of life,” said Jonathan Mead, Executive Director of UPCAP. “We want individuals to feel confident that they can protect themselves from falls and maintain their independence.”
Among seniors, falls are the major cause of hip fractures and are responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries. Last year, 48 states participated in observing the special national day intended to raise recognition about the dangers of falls and the possible consequences of sustained injuries. This year’s theme is Take a Stand Against Falls.
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