HONOLULU — The state Department of Health is continuing its statewide senior-fall-prevention-awareness campaign in September. Kupuna and their families are encouraged to participate in free tai chi classes that focus on preventing falls among older adults.
“Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older. Many falls and fall-related injuries can be prevented with existing knowledge and devices,” said Dr. Alvin Bronstein, DOH Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch chief. “Seniors are our fastest-growing population, and we encourage our kupuna to take advantage of these resources to prevent fall-related injuries.”
Unintentional falls in Hawai‘i cause 144 deaths, 2,251 hospitalizations and 10,046 emergency room visits each year. Falls have greater impact on those older than age 65. In addition to the emotional and physical impact of falls on seniors and their caregivers, falls create a significant financial toll on families and the health-care system; over $223 million in hospital and physician charges resulted from 2021’s fall-related injuries in Hawai‘i.
Falls can also be prevented through:
• Having a doctor or pharmacist review medications annually;
• Getting an annual eye exam;
• Getting a personal electronic safety device, especially for those living alone;
• Making the home safer by removing fall hazards, especially rugs and barriers like boxes, stacks of papers or belongings, and improving lighting;
• Exercising regularly to increase balance and flexibility.
Tai chi for arthritis/fall prevention classes and instructor workshop
Tai Chi for Arthritis/Fall Prevention (TCAFP) classes are approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Council on Aging to improve balance.
For information and locations call 808-733-9202 or go to https://health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention/home/preventing-falls/tai-chi/.
