Governor Susanna Martinez, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico Adult Fall Prevention Coalition, the Healthy Aging Collaborative, and Aging and Long Term Services Department, are working together to raise awareness that older adult falls are not a normal part of aging and many falls are preventable.
Governor Susana Martinez has declared the first day of fall as statewide Fall Prevention Awareness Day. New Mexico residents are urged to support fall prevention strategies for seniors such as: regular exercise, professional eye examinations, adequate nutrition, a medication review with their health care provider, and home safety improvements. Nationally, one out of three seniors age 65 and older will experience a fall.
"Falls can be prevented by understanding and respecting the needs of the senior population," said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward, MPH. "Seniors should wear low, non-slip shoes to provide better and more stable support. Living spaces should be well-lit and uncluttered. People of all ages can benefit from such fall prevention strategies."
The fall death rate among New Mexico adults ages 65 and older rose from 79.6 per 100,000 in 2013 to 88.8 per 100,000 in 2014, resulting in an 11.5% increase. New Mexico has the 9th highest adult fall death rate nationwide.
A combination of interventions can significantly reduce adult falls. These include physical activity with balance and strength training; getting a fall risk assessment by a health care provider; having medications reviewed periodically; getting eyes checked annually; and making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.
National Falls Prevention Awareness Day is observed across the country, with this year’s theme of “Take a Stand to Prevent Falls”.