Older adults have made countless contributions and sacrifices to ensure a better life for future generations. Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. This celebration recognizes older Americans for their contributions and demonstrates our states commitment to helping them stay healthy and active.

This year’s theme for Older Americans Month is “Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.” The theme focuses on injury prevention and safety to encourage older adults to protect themselves and remain active and independent for as long as possible.

Older adults are at a much higher risk of unintentional injury and even death than the rest of the population. In fact, in North Carolina 1,689 older adults died because of an injury with unintentional falls being related to 84% of those deaths. With an emphasis on safety during Older Americans Month, we encourage older adults to learn about the variety of ways they can avoid the leading causes of injury, like falls.

While the Division of Aging and Adult Services funds services and supports to older adults year-round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity for us to provide specialized information and services around the important topic of injury prevention. This information will help older adults take control of their safety and live longer, healthier lives.

Throughout the month, local aging providers across the state will be conducting activities and providing tips on how to avoid the leading causes of injury. To learn more about Older Americans Month and information on injury prevention for older adults go to http://www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/oamonth/index.htm.