American Bone Health Peer Educator Sue Thompson-Popper educates seniors on fall prevention during a Stepping Out Strong event.
American Bone Health focused on falls prevention during September in support of the National Council on Aging’s observance of Falls Prevention Awareness. American Bone Health hosted its signature Stepping Out Strong events in 15 communities across the country including several in North Carolina. These events, led by local volunteer Peer Educators, educate older adults about how to reduce their risk of falling with a series of simple exercises to improve balance, strength and flexibility. The goal is to reduce falls, the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions in people 65 and older.
“Falls are the leading cause of broken bones for adults over 65, and those injuries can have consequences including loss of independence and even premature death,” said Kathleen Cody, executive director of American Bone Health. “Our Stepping Out Strong programs give older adults skills and confidence to help reduce their risk of falls and injuries.”