2004 National Blueprint Conference Draws Focus on Health and Disease promotion Among Adults Aged 50 and Older

The 2004 National Blueprint Conference held in Washington, DC earlier this month set the stage for several agencies, including the Administration on Aging (AoA), to address various issues affecting the growing older population in the United States. Among the AoA's strategic priorities are to provide older people the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of community life, ability to maintain their health and independence, and remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The successful implementation of these priorities will also enable the AoA to provide services that will make it easier for older people to access an integrated array of health and social supports, as well as assist families in their efforts to care for their loved ones at home and in the community. The AoA plans to achieve these priorities by working closely with both public and private partners at the federal, state, and community level.

Source: Administration on Aging; Article "Remarks of Edwin Walker, JD, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs, Administration on Aging to the 2004 National Blueprint Conference, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: A Key Element to Promoting Balance in Long-Term Care." (1/15/04).

To view the full-length article Click Here, or visit www.aoa.gov.

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Home Modifications Help Reduce Falls and Hip Fractures in the Home

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that in 2001, more than 1.6 million seniors were treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries, 373,000 were hospitalized, and over 11,600 deaths were reported in people ages 65 and older.

Several things can be done to reduce the risk of falls in the home. Experts report that one-half to two-thirds of all falls occur in or around the home. Common environmental fall hazards include lack of stair railings or grab bars, slippery surfaces and rugs, unstable furniture, and poor lighting. In order to make living areas in home safer, seniors should:
* Remove tripping hazards (i.e., throw rugs and clutter in walkways);
* Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors;
* Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower;
* Improve lighting throughout the home.

Source: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Article: "Falls and Hip Fractures Among Older Adults." (Retrieved 1/23/04); http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/falls.htm.

To view the full-length article, Click Here, or visit http://www.cdc.gov.

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