November 2014
National Seniors Safety Week is an opportunity for all Canadians to think about how we can support the seniors in our lives so that they can maintain their safety and independence.
Canadians are living longer and are in better health than previous generations. However, falls are the leading cause of injury among Canadians over the age of 65, with approximately 20-30% of seniors experiencing one or more falls each year. They're also responsible for 85% of seniors' injury-related hospitalizations and for 95% of all hip fractures.
The statistics are staggering, so it's fitting that Falls Prevention is the theme during National Seniors Safety Week this year.
The Government of Canada is committed to helping seniors prevent injuries and better understand how to reduce the impact of falls. We support a variety of initiatives, including falls prevention, to promote healthy aging among Canadian seniors.
To improve our understanding and better prevent falls, the Public Health Agency of Canada released the Seniors' Falls in Canada: Second Report to ensure stakeholders across the country have updated, accurate information on fall-related injuries among Canadians over the age of 65.
We supported the development of the Canadian Falls Prevention Curriculum. Delivered by various agencies across Canada, the curriculum provides those working with seniors the knowledge and skills to apply an evidence-based approach to preventing falls and fall-related injuries. We also distributepublications, such as the award-winning Safe Living Guide: A guide to home safety for seniors, and You CAN Prevent Falls and Stair Safety at Home, for seniors, their families and those who care for seniors.
Social and physical environments play an important role in healthy aging. Through the Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, the Government of Canada works with provinces and territories to help make our communities safer and healthier places for Canadians to live and thrive as they age.
Additionally, the Environmental Health Guide for Seniors at Home raises awareness of the risks associated with environmental contaminants, and actions seniors and their families can take to reduce their exposure in the home.
This week, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about falls prevention among Canadian seniors, and to consider steps that can be taken to help seniors live safe and injury-free lives.
Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
For more information on the Government of Canada's programs and services for seniors, please visit Seniors Canada.
