County Executive Robert P. Astorino in partnership with the YWCA White Plains and Central Westchester and Westchester Medical Center today announced the launch of a new balance training and fall prevention program that kicked off with a free panel discussion and Tai Ji Quan demonstration at the YWCA.

"The main reason older adults lose their independence is because of falls," Astorino said. "But the good news is that falls are preventable. I encourage all seniors and those who care for seniors to join us."

The initiative, which will be ongoing throughout the year with programs at the YWCA, is evidence-based and geared towards keeping seniors active and independent in their communities. To learn more, please email or call (914) 949-6227 ext. 208.

"Falls can be disastrous for people over the age of 65," said Maria L. Imperial, YWCA CEO. "One in three older adults falls annually, with falls being the leading cause of death due to injury. The classes now offered at the YWCA are designed to improve strength, balance, agility and coordination and can significantly reduce the risk of falling in older adults."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls account for 25 percent of all hospital admissions and 40 percent of nursing home admissions – with 25 percent of these individuals dying within a year of the fall accident. In excess of $30 billion is spent each year on healthcare costs related to a fall injury. Medicare costs for hip fractures as a result of falls is projected to be $240 billion dollars by 2040.

"Falls send more people to regional trauma centers and local emergency rooms than any other cause. These injuries can be debilitating to the individual and seniors are particularly susceptible to falls," explained Corrado Marini, MD, Section Chief, Trauma and Critical Care Surgery and Director, Adult Trauma Services at Westchester Medical Center, a Member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network. "The bottom line is that many fall-related injuries are preventable and all of us at Westchester Medical Center are committed to working with community partners to prevent such injuries."

The collaborating agencies joining the fall prevention initiative are StepWISEnow, Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, the YWCA and Westchester Medical Center.