Falls Prevention
Oklahoma is home to more than 650,000 adults aged 65 years and older. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among persons 65 years and older in Oklahoma. Every year, falls result in the hospitalization of approximately 8,000 older adults and the death of more than 650 older adults. Falls not only threaten the safety and independence of older adults, but also generate enormous economic and personal costs. The Injury Prevention Service coordinates outreach efforts to provide fall-related educational and programmatic information to Oklahomans 65 years and older and other partners, in addition to championing the Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance and A Matter of Balance programs.
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is an evidence-based fall prevention program that was designed to be used in community-based organizations. Accumulating evidence suggests that Tai Chi eight-form exercises are an effective means of improving balance, functional limitations, and muscle strength, which reduce the risk of falling.
MOB is an evidence-based structured group intervention program, designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among community-dwelling older adults.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among persons 65 years and older in Oklahoma. Six out of every 10 falls happen at home. To ensure community-dwelling older adults reduce their fall risk at home, the Injury Prevention Service has home safety supplies available and is seeking partnering organizations to distribute and install. The supplies include grab bars (18” and 24”), light bulbs, and double-sided rug tape. If your organization works with older adults and would like to install supplies, please contact the Injury Prevention Service or complete this memorandum of agreement.
The goal of the Healthy Aging in Oklahoma newsletter is to increase resource sharing across state and local community organizations to reduce morbidity and mortality among older adults in Oklahoma. The newsletter covers a variety of topics including falls prevention, the Oklahoma Healthy Brain Initiative, older adult mental health, and more. If you would like to receive this newsletter, please fill out this form or please contact the Injury Prevention Service.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406
Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK
Telephone: (405) 426-8440
Fax: (405) 900-7588
Email: injury@health.ok.gov
