The District is committed to reducing the risk of preventable traumatic injuries such as those sustained in falls. Fall injuries can be life-altering. The cost to a fall victim can be insurmountable. The impact on the community is hard to comprehend.

1. One-third of all people over the age of 65 years old fall every year.
2. Every 20 minutes an elderly person dies from injuries sustained in a fall.
3. Elderly falls cause 2.5 million injuries treated in the Emergency Department every year in the United States.
4. The total US cost related to elderly falls was 34 billion in 2013 and is estimated to reach 67.7 million by 2020.

A good resource for fall prevention awareness and information:
https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/

Falls, with or without injury, carry a heavy quality of life impact. A growing number of older adults fear falling and limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.

What is being done to prevent falls around the country:

Proper evidence-based balance exercise programs can help improve balance and reduce a person’s risk of falling. Take a look at this video to see some exercises you can try in the comfort of your own home:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-tUHuNPStw

Local Teller County Resources: