Falls Prevention Awareness Week is September 23-27

CONCORD, New Hampshire – Did you know that falling is NOT a normal part of aging?

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to empowering all older adults in New Hampshire to reduce their risk of falls, which are one of the greatest causes of serious injuries and death among people over age 65. On September 23-27, 2024, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office and the New Hampshire Falls Risk Reduction Task Force are partnering with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to mark Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

According to the New Hampshire Division of Health & Human Services, falls are a leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among people 65 and older in New Hampshire, leading to 239 deaths, 4,011 hospitalizations, and 14,268 emergency department visits in 2021. It is estimated that approximately 20% of New Hampshire citizens are 65 years of age or older, and it is estimated that one-fourth of people 65 and older will fall each year.

Injuries from falls are largely a preventable community health problem. Evidence-based programs reduce falls by utilizing cost-effective strategies, such as exercise programs, to improve balance and strength, medication management, vision improvement, reduction of home hazards, and fall prevention education. Individuals seeking more information on evidence-based falls prevention programs in New Hampshire can visit NHfalls.org.

As part of this national outreach campaign, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office and the New Hampshire Falls Risk Reduction Task Force would like to highlight a new online falls risk assessment tool available at no cost to individuals across the country. Visitors to https://www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/ can complete a short survey that screens for the most common falls risk factors.

NH State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey states, “We’re proud to be part of this national education and outreach initiative that is helping millions of older adults age well and stay falls free. We encourage people to visit https://www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/