PRINTER'S NO. 2391
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
456
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY FARRY, SAMUELSON, MURT, DiGIROLAMO, BIZZARRO,
SCHMITT, MILLARD, LONGIETTI, POLINCHOCK, YOUNGBLOOD, KORTZ,
HILL-EVANS, BURNS, SONNEY, READSHAW, MOUL, KIRKLAND, MADDEN,
McCLINTON, CALTAGIRONE, SAYLOR, GAYDOS, DeLUCA, SAINATO,
NEILSON, SCHLEGEL CULVER AND KIM, SEPTEMBER 3, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON AGING AND OLDER ADULT SERVICES,
SEPTEMBER 3, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing September 23, 2019, as "National Falls Prevention
Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, As of 2016, Pennsylvania has more than 2.2 million
residents who are 65 years of age or older, which represents
17.4% 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 65 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 2016, the number of Pennsylvanians 65 years of
age or older who had fallen was approximately 2,385 per 100,000
of the population; and
WHEREAS, In 2017, the costs for fall-related hospitalizations
in Pennsylvania among people 65 years of age or older totaled
more than $3.37 billion, with an average cost for a fall-related
hospitalization being $61,211; 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 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 Healthy 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
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supplementation to prevent falls in community-dwelling adults 65
years of age or older who are at increased risk for falls; and
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, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
requires Medicare recipients to receive a health care risk
assessment during their annual wellness visit which includes
fall risk and, if needed, be referred to counseling on falls
prevention; 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 23, 2019, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Day"
in Pennsylvania.
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