In Alameda County, California, The Senior Injury Prevention Partnership promotes a multi-factorial fall-prevention program that includes: physical activity, home safety, education, and medication management. To read the full profile, please click here.

From: A Time of Opportunity: Local Solutions to Reduce Inequities in Health and Safety

The population over age 60 will more than double nationally in the next 20 years. In 2005, people age 65 and older represented a little more than 10% of the population of Alameda County but accounted for more than 45% of all hospitalizations and deaths due to unintentional injury.[1] Traditionally, injury prevention programs have focused primarily on children. The Senior Injury Prevention Partnership (SIPP), formed more than 10 years ago by the Alameda County Public Health Department and a diverse array of partner organizations, addresses the needs of the older population in our county. SIPP promotes a multi-factorial fall-prevention program that includes: physical activity, home safety, education, and medication management. SIPP got its start with state and foundation grant funding.

Following its initial success and advocacy by seniors, local government funding was also allocated. SIPP trains clinicians working with adults age 65 and over. Their program goes beyond the typical boundaries of the traditional medical model by putting peer-led physical activity programs into place, which have proven to be as or more effective than programs led by clinicians.[2] SIPP is currently hosting trainings for physical activity "lay leaders"—who are often older adults themselves—at senior centers, residential facilities, and other independent senior living locations. By bringing physical activity programs to seniors (rather than the other way around), SIPP increases the likelihood of participation and helps make the healthy choice the easy choice.

References:

[1] State of California, Department of Finance, 2000-2005. Sacramento, CA July 2007
[2] Journal of the American academy of nurse practitioners, volume 21, issue 2, pages 116-122. Published online: 02.12.09.

More information about SIPP is available from the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services.