Fall Prevention

Preventing Falls in the High Country

Falls are not a natural part of aging. However, falls occur at an alarming rate, impacting one-third of Americans aged 65+ each year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. Most falls are preventiable and the High Country Area Agency on Aging and Appalachian State University aim to combat falls among older adults in the High Country Region.

In 2022, the Appalachian State University Institute for Health and Human Services in collaboration with the High Country Area Agency on Aging was awarded a federal grant by the Administration of Community Living to support fall prevention programming in our seven-county region. During this three-year period, our goal is to increase the number of older adults who participate in evidence-based fall prevention programs to reduce fall risk and create a sustainable structure to provide ongoing assessments of older adults with referrals to fall prevention and wellness programs.

Fall Prevention Workshop Calendar

We plan to build on existing partnerships with community centers in rural Northwest North Carolina to train more leaders for A Matter of Balance and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention so that classes can be provided on a consistent basis. To read more about this grant and how to get involved, see our High Country Fall Prevention Guide Below!