| Abstrakt: |
Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults, but researcher note it is the most preventable health problem. The challenge is how to help seniors become aware what may cause falls. We wanted to teach seniors about real or potential hazards, and encourage them to become fall prevention advocates. To optimize social contacts, we selected a group of fairly active seniors who volunteer in the community. With funding from the Lowes Home Safety Council, 215 RSVP members in South Hilo, Hawaii participated in a home self-assessment designed to teach about causes for falls. Learning effectiveness was measured by home improvements. A second home assessment four months later showed 61 percent made improvements; 60 percent reduced falls, 69 percent continued or increased helping services; and thus far 55 percent have shared their learning with others. To insure seniors could afford safety improvements, Lowes provided assistive devices to 160 RSVP members unable to afford them. About 50 percent requested items for balance, 34 percent requested fire safety devices and 16 percent requested cordless phones. This research corroborates that of others who note the efficacy of addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Further, this consumer education and dissemination approach appears to be an effective fall prevention strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
