As Californians Increase in Age,
So Does the Prevalence of Falls

During Older Americans Month, CPTA Educates Californians on Fall Prevention

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Aging is something we all have in common as is the potential to fall as we get older. Over one-third of older Californians suffer serious, fall-related injuries each year. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, falls represent a fundamental health risk for 3.8 million Californians who are 65 years of age and older. While countless older Americans are active members of their communities, many lose their independence after suffering an injury from falling. "With the prevalence of falls among older Californians," warns Patricia Rae Evans, PT, PhD, Chief Staff Executive of the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA), "Physical therapists see more and more individuals who, with a little education, could have prevented the falls causing their injuries." May is Older Americans Month, which focuses on celebrating and honoring seniors. Evans believes this is a perfect opportunity for the CPTA members to reach out to their communities and educate older Californians and family members on how to live longer, healthier lives.

Why are older people prone to falling? As we grow older, we experience increased difficulties with balance adding to the likelihood of falling. Internal factors contributing to 55 percent of all falls include damage to sensory systems (eyes, ears, etc.), increased muscle and/or bone weakness, increased use of medications and/or decreased reaction times. External factors contributing to falls include changing conditions of walking surfaces, changing visual conditions, varying levels of activity and/or the busy nature of our environments such as crowds, increased movement, etc.

Physical therapists are trained to pinpoint potential problems contributing to falls and can educate patients on ways to avoid falling. "Physical therapists have a vast knowledge base and are skillful in identifying and treating patients with balance and gait impairments that can lead to falls," says Peggy Trueblood, PT, PhD, and a member of the Interdisciplinary Gerontology Advisory Council at California State University, Fresno. "With the increase in the number of people 65 years of age and older and the shift to autonomous practice for physical therapy, it seems only natural that physical therapists would be leaders in this area."

Without exercise, our muscles deteriorate. Weaker muscles can slow our ability to move quickly or react appropriately to prevent a fall. The lack of exercise also can contribute to weaker bones that are more likely to break on impact. "Moving is the key," says Evans, "That is why the CPTA initiated a statewide campaign, Move California, to educate California residents on the importance of daily, physical exercise." Evans goes on to explain, " component of the Move California campaign is a module titled Fall Prevention for the Elderly. We developed this module to educate people, particularly older Californians, on incorporating personalized, safe exercise and activity into their daily routines to prevent injuries and falls."

During Older Americans Month, physical therapists challenge aging Californians to take the initiative and consult with a physical therapist on prevention before a fall occurs

The California Physical Therapy Association exists to educate the people of California as to the attributes, benefits and value of physical therapy; meet the physical therapy needs of the people of California through the development and improvement of physical therapy education, practice and research; meet the needs of the Chapter members through identification, coordinated action, communication and fellowship.