Mikulski Fights to Prevent Senior Citizen Falls

Mikulski Fights to Prevent Senior Citizen Falls

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) has joined Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) to introduce important legislation aimed at preventing falls among seniors. The Keeping Seniors Safe from Falls Act (S.1531) authorizes $25 million per year for three years to help prevent falls among older adults through public education, research and demonstration projects. The legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Max Baucus (D-MT).

"Falls don't discriminate," said Senator Mikulski, senior Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Retirement Security and Aging. "This is a serious public health problem that directly affects our seniors and their family members. This legislation provides a framework to reduce and prevent elder falls through public education campaigns and important research."

"Anyone who has an elderly parent, relative or friend who lives alone knows about the concern that comes with an unanswered phone call," said Senator Enzi. "For many of our nation's elderly, a fall means serious injury. This act will help to prevent falls and ease our minds. Education, prevention and early intervention will reduce the occurrences and costs of unintentional falls."

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among persons over age 65. In 2002, falls among elderly persons accounted for 12,800 deaths and 1.64 million emergency room visits. Fall related injuries for people age 65 and older cost a total of $19.5 billion in 2000.

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http://mikulski.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=242145