As National Falls Prevention Awareness Week approaches, the Northern Wake Senior Center is gearing up to highlight the importance of preventing falls among the elderly. According to the Town of Wake Forest, "From Awareness to Action: Preventing Falls Starts with You and Starts Today!" is the theme set to guide this year's discussions and activities planned for Tuesday, September 24. On Falls Prevention Day, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Northern Wake Senior Center will offer various presentations, exercises and resources dedicated to mitigating the risk that comes with age – the risk of falling.

As reported by the Town of Wake Forest, one in four Americans over 65 fall each year, a statistic that alone can be alarming, but the context deepens its weight. Not only do falls lead the charge as the foremost cause of injury among older Americans, but they also double the chance to fall yet again. The repercussions of these falls extend beyond the physical – they can spiral out to limit activities, to shrink social circles, to intensify feelings of isolation.

To tackle fall risks, the Northern Wake Senior Center is teaching people how to make their homes safer, encouraging exercise, and promoting better nutrition and lifestyle changes. Falls Prevention Day will feature fitness demos, pet therapy training, a photo booth, and a BBQ plate fundraiser. Board-certified therapists will also be available for free fall risk assessments by appointment, as stated by the Town of Wake Forest.

Falls Prevention Day at the Northern Wake Senior Center is all about helping seniors stay safe and confident. We'll share tips on how to avoid falls and how to get back up if one happens. Refreshments will be served, and if you want more details or to schedule an assessment, call us at 919-554-4111. Join us to learn how to tackle falls together!