True or False: Using hands to push up from a chair is a sign that someone is at a higher risk of falling.
If you answered true, you’re right! Many people don’t realize this is a sign of leg weakness, a common risk for falling.
Falls are a significant health issue for older adults. One in four older adults falls every year and falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Experiencing a fall can have far-reaching negative consequences, such as limiting a person’s activities and increasing social isolation. But there is some good news…most falls are preventable!
National Falls Prevention Awareness Week occurs every year the third week of September, which falls on September 23-27 in 2024. The purpose of Falls Prevention Awareness Week is to raise awareness about the impact of falls among older adults, promote the message that most falls are preventable, and offer practical solutions to prevent falls.
This year for Falls Prevention Awareness Week, the King County Fall Prevention Coalition partnered with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to develop and share a customized fall risk screening quiz for the greater Seattle area. The quiz helps seniors understand their risk of falling and ways they can reduce that risk.
VSHSL-funded partners work every day to prevent falls for older adults in King County
The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) funds senior serving partners across King County that provide falls prevention education, screenings, and exercise classes that support seniors in staying healthy and independent. Earlier this year the VSHSL invested in 39 senior centers to provide essential programs, services, and social engagement opportunities that allow older adults to age with full and equal access to options for healthy living.
Fall prevention resources and events in King County
Falls prevention events
During Falls Prevention Week and throughout the month of September various events are taking place across King County to bring awareness to falls prevention resources to help older adults reduce their risk of falls.
Visit the King County Falls Prevention Coalition website for a list of events in King County.
Falls prevention resources
Visit the link below for a list of falls prevention resources in King County including: evidence-based falls prevention programs, information on how to talk with your health care provider about falls, and how to keep your home safe.
Local and national falls prevention resources and information.
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