PRINTER'S NO. 3994
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1054
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY FARRY, SAMUELSON, READSHAW, DiGIROLAMO, BIZZARRO,
NEILSON, DUSH, SONNEY, HENNESSEY, KINSEY, MACKENZIE, HILL-
EVANS, BURNS, WARD, LONGIETTI, JAMES, SAINATO, RYAN,
DRISCOLL, SCHLOSSBERG, MILLARD, PHILLIPS-HILL, MARSICO, MURT
AND WATSON, SEPTEMBER 17, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
SEPTEMBER 17, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing September 22, 2018, as "National Falls Prevention
Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, As of 2015, Pennsylvania has more than 3 million
residents who are 60 years of age or older, which represents 24%
of Pennsylvania's total population, ranking Pennsylvania the
fifth highest senior citizen population in the nation; and
WHEREAS, By the year 2040, it is estimated that more than 3.8
million Pennsylvanians will be 60 years of age or older; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, falls are the leading cause of
injury-related deaths among people who are 65 years of age or
older; and
WHEREAS, Every six hours a senior citizen dies following a
fall, and every week approximately 30 older Pennsylvanians die
from fall-related injuries; and
WHEREAS, Every 11 minutes an older Pennsylvanian is
hospitalized due to a fall-related injury; and
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WHEREAS, In 2014, the costs for fall-related hospitalizations
in Pennsylvania among people 65 years of age or older totaled
more than $2.7 million, with an average cost for a fall-related
hospitalization being $58,529; and
WHEREAS, Falls are the most common cause of injuries,
including hip fractures and head traumas, for older adults and
can increase the risk of early death; and
WHEREAS, One out of four people who are 65 years of age or
older falls at least once a year, with most falls occurring in
his or her home while performing regular daily activities; and
WHEREAS, Falls are a threat to the health and independence of
older adults and can significantly limit their ability to remain
self-sufficient; and
WHEREAS, Falls are health risks that are largely preventable,
and decreasing the incidence of falls will improve the
socialization and function of older adults who have previously
fallen and fear falling again; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Department of Aging's evidence-
based programs, Healthy Steps for Older Adults, has reduced
medical costs by an average of $840 for each participant and
Health Steps in Motion has reduced fall incidents by
approximately 28%; and
WHEREAS, Research shows that the evidence-based program A
Matter of Balance, promoted by the Department of Health, has
reduced medical costs by nearly $1,000 a year for each
participant; and
WHEREAS, The United States Preventive Services Task Force
recommends exercise or physical therapy and vitamin D
supplementation to prevent falls in community-dwelling adults 65
years of age or older who are at increased risk for falls; and
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WHEREAS, The United States Department of Health and Human
Services recommends that older adults get at least 150 minutes
of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity,
aerobic physical activity per week and engage in muscle-
strengthening activities twice per week; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Health and Human
Services recommends that older adults at risk of falling due to
a recent fall or who have difficulty walking engage in balance-
training activities three or more days per week; and
WHEREAS, Although evidence does not support routinely
performing an in-depth risk assessment for all adults 65 years
of age or older, risk assessments should be considered for older
adults who have had two falls in the past year, have gait or
balance problems or present with an acute fall; and
WHEREAS, As the chance of falling increases with age, there
is likely to be a higher rate of fall-related hospitalizations
as this Commonwealth's aging population grows; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
September 22, 2018, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Day"
in Pennsylvania.
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