By: Ashley Pastore
In an era of polarization, it’s important to remember that some issues transcend ideological lines. The health, safety, and independence of our aging population is one of them.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, with 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ experiencing a fall each year. These incidents don’t discriminate among aging Americans, and they affect our grandparents, parents, neighbors, and friends in every community across the nation.
That’s why the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (S. 2612/H.R. 1171) has emerged as a bipartisan opportunity to strengthen access to fall prevention services through physical therapy – helping older adults stay mobile, independent, and out of the hospital.
Why This Matters to All of Us
- Falls affect every family. No matter your background, ideology, or family values, aging and fall risks touch the people you love and place them at risk for injury or even death.
- Prevention saves money and lives. Falls cost the healthcare system billions each year, placing heavy burdens on Medicare, Medicaid, and families’ out-of-pocket expenses. By stopping falls before they occur, costs will decrease for everyone.
- Physical therapy works. Evidence shows that strength, balance, and mobility programs led by physical therapists can reduce fall risk by as much as 40%.
A Moment for Unity
At a time when it feels like common ground is hard to find, the SAFE Act reminds us that protecting older Americans is an issue we can all get behind. Every policymaker has constituents who will benefit from improved access to fall prevention services.
Supporting the SAFE Act means fewer injuries, healthier aging, reduced costs, and stronger communities. It’s a rare chance to unite around an issue that impacts us all.
How You Can Help
Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support the SAFE Act. Share your stories, your patients’ successes, and the importance of physical therapy in keeping people safe and independent. Together, we can make falls prevention a national priority — because protecting aging adults is something we can all stand behind.
