Did you know:

• One in four older Americans falls every year?
• Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for people age 65 and older?
• Falls can result in broken hips (and other broken bones) and head injuries?
• Even falls without major injury can result in an older adult becoming fearful or depressed and therefore less active?

Source: https://www.ncoa.org/article/6-falls-prevention-steps-to-help-your-older-loved-ones/

Seniors and caregivers are invited to the Quality Aging Conference to receive resources and information on living independently and maintaining the highest quality of life possible. Topics range from physical/mental health to home safety and much more. Attendees enjoy included lunch, snacks, vendors and demonstrations/services.

Today we bring you news from the HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) Primary Health Care Digest, on a variety of topics we thought would be of interest to primary care practitioners in all settings.

What will North Carolina's population look like in coming years? NC ranks ninth nationally in population aged 65 and older and has undergone significant demographic changes in the 21st century. Assessing and understanding the demographic changes and their implications will be critical in addressing age-related issues, catalyzing change, and preparing for the future of North Carolina.

"The idea of planning for care through the end of life seems distant and hard to grasp for a lot of us — especially those considered young or without current health conditions. When are we at the end? When we’re diagnosed with cancer? When we’re in the wrong place at the wrong time? “Advance care planning” is similarly vague. In advance of what? Plus, a lot of us assume a doctor or medical team is responsible for planning our care." Aly Lynch, 3/1/2023