Press Releases
| President Signs Senior Falls Prevention Legislation |
|
President Bush signed legislation aimed at preventing falls among older adults late last month. The legislation, the "Safety of Seniors Act of 2007" (S 845), was introduced by Sens. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) in the Senate, and Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Ralph Hall (R-TX) in the House. It will support the development of public and professional education strategies that raise awareness of and prevent falls in older people; encourage research both to identify older adults at high risk of falling and to evaluate falls interventions; and support demonstration projects aimed at preventing falls. Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among those over age 65. Among older people, falls account for approximately 13,000 deaths and 1.8 million emergency room visits each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cost of treating injuries older adults sustain in falls exceeds $19 billion annually. Joining AGS advocacy campaigns on behalf of the legislation, AGS members and other advocates of quality healthcare for older adults urged Congress to pass the bill. Click here to see the Safety of Seniors Law |
Statewide Representation
