Falls are not a normal part of aging and most falls can be prevented
Columbus, Ohio – In September, Ohioans of all ages walked 47,752,500 steps to raise awareness of older adult falls, vastly exceeding the 10 million step goal. The Ohio Department of Aging’s annual 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls campaign aligns with National Falls Prevention Awareness Week and promotes the resources available from the department and its partners in the STEADY U Ohio statewide falls prevention initiative.
One in three people age 65 and older fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Ohioans and led to 1,490 deaths, 18,856 hospitalizations, and 75,091 emergency department visits in 2019. While many factors increase the risk of falling as we age, falling is not a normal part of aging and most falls can be prevented.
10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls, created in 2015, engages individuals, organizations, and communities to host walking events and groups and share falls prevention resources. Thirty-seven groups, comprised of 1,598 participants, walked 18,301 miles in related events or groups – that’s the equivalent of walking around the perimeter of our state 16 times!
Ohioans also participated by walking independently and posting pictures of themselves walking on social media with the hashtags #10MStepsOH and #PreventFalls. Individuals could also contribute by viewing four special webinars. The webinars were produced by the Ohio Department of Aging and its STEADY U Ohio partners, including Holmes County General Health District, Ohio Northern University, Area Agency on Aging Region 9, and FOX rehabilitation. The webinars are available for on-demand viewing at www.aging.ohio.gov/10millionsteps.
Tips to prevent falls from STEADY U Ohio:
- Get at least 15 minutes of simple exercise, like walking, each day. Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
- Contact your area agency on aging (1-866-243-5678) to learn about balance and exercise programs in your community.
- Ask your doctor or other health care provider for a falls risk assessment, including a review of whether any of the medications you take may increase your risk for falling.
- Get and use a cane or walker if you have trouble walking or standing for long periods.
- Look around your home for falls risks, such as loose rugs, poor lighting, and clutter. Have grab bars professionally installed in your bathroom.
Find more falls prevention tips and resources at www.steadyu.ohio.gov.
2021 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls Contributing Partners
50 North
Altercare Coshocton
Area Agency on Aging 9
Area Agency on Aging District 7
Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio
Bowling Green State University
Buckeye Hills Regional Council
Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley
City of Beavercreek
City of North Ridgeville, Office for Older Adults
City of Willoughby Senior Center
Clermont Senior Services
Coshocton Senior Center
Country Neighbor Program, Inc
Department of Development, Tourism Ohio
Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities
Direction Home of Eastern Ohio
Fairhill Partners
Hamilton County Law Library
Kingston Mound Manor Residents
Meals on Wheels – Fairfield County
Nivalis Health
Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Ohio Department of Aging
Ohio Department of Development
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging
Ohio Housing Finance Agency
Oxford Seniors
RecoveryOhio
Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University
Stark County Board of DD
State Library of Ohio
The O’Neill Center
The Wesley Communities-Wesley Ridge, Wesley Glen and Wesley Woods at New Albany
Tipp City Seniors, Inc.
Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare
Wallick Communities
About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.
