Difficulties with walking and balance have been shown to be a risk factor for falls among older adults. The Connecticut Department of Public Health provided funds (via the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant) to selected Connecticut local health departments to conduct activities related to exercise among older adults (i.e., encourage older adults to exercise). In 2013, the CTDPH Injury Prevention Office set a target goal of 75% that participants would indicate an interest to continue exercising after the program ended. Between 2014 and 2015, there was a 2.6% decrease in older adults who indicated an interest in continuing to exercise after the program ended (i.e., from 89.7% in 2014 to 87.1% in 2015). Collectively, 88.3% of older adults indicated continuing to exercise after the program ended, surpassing the target goal by 13.3%. However, it should be noted that data for one LHD were not factored into the above calculations due to missing post-survey results.

Local health departments carry out exercise services for older adults using the Public Health Services Block Grant (PHHSBG). In 2014 and 2015, the selected LHDs were Guilford Health Department, New Milford Health Department, Meriden Department of Health and Human Services, and Pomperaug Health District.

• Connecticut Collaboration for Fall Prevention, Yale University. (http://www.fallprevention.org/index.htm)
• “A Tool Kit to Prevent Senior Falls” (National Center for Injury Prevention Control, Centers for Disease control and Prevention, 1999)
• Stevens JA, Burns ER. A CDC Compendium of Effective Fall Interventions: What Works for Community-Dwelling Older Adults. 3rd ed. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2015. (http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/compendium.html)
• National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Preventing Falls: A Guide to Implementing Effective Community-based Fall Prevention Programs. 2nd ed. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015. (http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/community_preventfalls.html)

DPH is contracting with local health departments to carry out evidenced-based falls prevention activities. DPH recommends the use of effective and efficient best practices that yields positive outcomes.