he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes Older Americans Month to empower older adults (ages 65 and older) to age without injury while still enjoying the hobbies and activities they love.  Still Going Strong is a national campaign from CDC raising awareness about common yet preventable injuries as we age. The campaign provides simple steps older adults and caregivers can do to improve social connectedness and prevent common injuries. 

This year’s theme, Powered by Connection, organized by the Administration for Community Living, emphasizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.  According to CDC, maintaining strong social connections with family and friends plays a vital role in supporting independence and overall aging. Research shows that social connectedness can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being.

The Still Going Strong campaign equips older adults with tools to reduce social isolation and loneliness.  It also helps them to avoid the leading causes of unintentional injuries among older adults such as falls, motor vehicle crashes, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Older adults experiencing social isolation and loneliness have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and suicidal ideation.  There are steps older adults and their caregivers can take to improve social connectedness that helps to maintain their quality of life and stay independent longer. During interviews, a wellness expert and/or a CDC official would discuss:

• Five ways to improve social connectedness, and why that can improve overall health/longevity.
• The fact that unintentional injuries resulting from falls, accidents, or TBI are the 8th leading cause of death among older adults 65+.
• How every second, an older adult falls in the U.S., and every year there are 9 million fall injuries that result in 3 million emergency dept. visits, 1 million hospitalizations, and 41,000 deaths. 
• A 35% increase in fall death rates over the last decade.
• Tips for being aware of and avoiding what can lead to falls and preventable injuries.

Dr. Gwen Bergen visits with Mark.