November is Fall Prevention Month. Seniors Encouraged to Stay Active and Safe this Winter

Perth County ̶ Winter weather is quickly approaching and falls among older adults will soon be a big concern. Falls are the leading cause of serious injuries in older adults. Every year in Ontario, one in three older adults will fall.

With a goal to prevent falls in seniors, Fall Prevention Month is being celebrated across Ontario in November. This year, a newly designed website hosts information and resources for older adults and health care professionals at fallpreventionmonth.ca.

“Although falls are always of concern, the winter weather brings additional risk factors,” says Chera Longston, Public Health Promoter. “Fall Prevention Month is aimed at encouraging older adults to watch their step and take extra care when things are snow-covered and icey.”

Research shows that falls are a serious and growing problem for Ontarians. The number of fall-related hospitalizations is on the rise due to our aging population, and falls are responsible for 95% of hip fractures. “The costs to our health care system are significant, however, they are small when compared to the impact a fall has on the independence and quality of life of an older adult,” explains Longston.

Falls are caused by a complex and wide variety of factors and the risk of falling increases with age. The Health Unit focuses on educating seniors on proven interventions, such as improving health and fitness, making one’s home safer, reviewing medications and speaking up about dizziness.

Fall Prevention Month is led by a partnership of 13 organizations across Ontario and is promoted across Perth County every November.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267

Visit pdhu.on.ca

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