August 26, 2024, Press Release from the Area Agency on Aging 3: LIMA, Ohio – The 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls campaign, held annually by the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) is returning for September 2024, and ODA is asking community partners to host local walking groups and events to raise awareness of older adult falls.
"We celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Month every September, and we are excited to bring back our 10 Million Steps campaign as the centerpiece of that celebration in 2024," said ODA Director Ursel J. McElroy. "This year, you can support the older adults in your life by walking just one mile to help us raise awareness of falls prevention. We hope you will join us as we work toward our goal of educating every Ohioan on how to minimize their risk of falling."
10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls is an annual campaign to encourage Ohioans of all ages to walk at least one mile during the month of September.
"The 10 million steps campaign is a public health initiative for individuals of all ages to walk at least one mile in the month of September in the name of fall prevention. By setting a goal, tracking your steps or mileage, and submitting those metrics to Area Agency on Aging 3, you directly contribute to raising awareness and supporting fall prevention initiatives in our service area.” Ashlin Magrum, Health Education Coordinator for Area Agency on Aging 3 comments about the 10 Million Steps Campaign.
In 2024, the campaign vastly exceeded its goals as it saw Ohioans from across the state log more than 58 million steps, a total of more than 23,000 miles. That total is equivalent to more than 21 trips around Ohio’s perimeter or 46 round trip drives between Cleveland and Cincinnati. All told, 41 walking groups and 10,294 participants contributed to the 2024 totals.
Besides providing Ohioans with an opportunity for exercise, 10 Million Steps events encourage the community to learn about other things they can do and local resources available to help prevent falls. Regular exercise is one of many things people can do to lower their risk of falling.
Approximately one in three Ohioans age 65 or older will fall this year. STEADY U Ohio is a falls prevention initiative, led by the Ohio Department of Aging and supported by Ohio government and state business partners, to coordinate and strengthen falls prevention activities around the state. Falls prevention tips and resources are available at www.steadyu.ohio.gov.
Area Agency on Aging 3 will host a Fall Prevention Awareness Day on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 9am-11am. Individuals can learn about fall risks and ways to prevent falls among older adults. Several community partners will be in attendance to educate, increase awareness, and help provide resources on falls and fall prevention for older adults.
'We are excited to bolster Fall Prevention Awareness Month by hosting our annual Fall Prevention Awareness Day and Health Fair on September 24th. We continue doing behind-the-scenes work in fall prevention. In September, we are also excited to partner with local fire and EMS stations at our upcoming "Next Steps: Outreach for Senior Safety" event, dedicated to spreading awareness on critical AAA3 programs. We plan to thoroughly discuss our health education, transportation, home safety, and victimization programs,” Magrum stated.
In addition to community partners, the Senior Citizens Services of Lima will be presenting Get up! Get Down! Individuals learn strategies to help get you up out of a chair successfully, as well as show the correct way to get up and down from the floor You may participate, or just watch and learn! Go at your own pace!
Fall Prevention Day is free and open to the public. No preregistration required. The event will be held at the agency’s location at 2423 Allentown Road, Lima – across from Walmart, next to Tom Ahl. Fall Prevention Day is made possible by National Council on Aging and the Administration for Community Living.
About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan.
Visit http://www.aging.ohio.gov.
About AAA3 – Area Agency on Aging 3 is celebrating 50 years of serving individuals, persons with disabilities and their caregivers. AAA3 is here to answer questions and find programs and services in the area that are designed to make life easier for individuals and those they love. Visit https://www.aaa3.org.
