NYC Falls Prevention Coalition Hosts Staten Island Falls Prevention Event

NEW YORK (September 17, 2019) – In recognition of Falls Prevention Awareness Day, the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), co-chairs of the New York City Falls Prevention Coalition, held an intergenerational event to arm older adults with the knowledge to prevent falls.

At the Center for Life Long Development (CLLD) Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, DFTA Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez was joined by DOHMH Medical Director of Environmental Disease and Injury Prevention Dr. Amita Toprani, and JCC Deputy Executive Director Orit Lender. The event included Women’s Health Month nutritional lectures, blood pressure monitoring, and a demonstration of the evidence-based falls prevention class "A Matter of Balance."

Older adults participated in the evidence-based falls prevention class "A Matter of Balance."

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. Evidence-based programs, lifestyle adjustments, and falls prevention education can help older adults avoid falls by staying active and independent.

"Experiencing a fall as an older adult is physically and emotionally painful," said DFTA Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez. "Through education and evidence-based classes, we can help the City's 1.6 million older adults remain in their homes while avoiding injury and long recovery times."

"Falls can compromise the quality of life of older New Yorkers," said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. "Falls are preventable and should not be an expected part of aging. Reducing fall hazards in the home and staying physically active can be effective strategies for protecting our older adults. Our agency‵s home safety checklist is a great way to help keep New Yorkers' homes free from falls risks."

"Since Staten Island has the fastest growing senior population in New York City, at the JCC, we have to be acutely aware of this problem and work together to help prevent falls. We understand the need to address this issue and are proud to be partnering with DFTA and DOHMH on this program," said Orit Lender, Deputy Executive Director of the JCC of Staten Island.

The New York City Falls Prevention Coalition, an Age-friendly NYC initiative, is composed of representatives from government, nonprofit, and health care organizations. The coalition aims to promote and implement proven and promising strategies to reduce the incidence and burden of falls among older adults.

To find out more about Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and NOCA's work to prevent falls, visit ncoa.org/FallsPrevention.

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The New York City Department for the Aging works to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality of life of New York City's diverse 1.6 million older adults. DFTA also works to support caregivers through service, advocacy, and education. DFTA is the largest area agency on aging in the U.S.

Media contacts:
DFTA
Zenovia Earle
212-602-4152

Suzanne Myklebust
212-602-4153