OKLAHOMA CITY (September 2, 2025) - The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS), AARP, YMCA of Greater OKC, VillagesOKC and the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative are working together to host events throughout September as part of the joint initiative Stay Steady: Prevent Falls as You Age.

The state agencies, alongside its partners, will host a Stay Steady Kickoff Luncheon, Sept. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the YMCA Healthy Living Center (13660 S Western Ave.), intended for aging professionals who would like to learn more about the impact of older adult falls in Oklahoma and strategies to reduce fall-related injury and death. OSDH will also host an educational Falls Prevention Webinar Series every Thursday throughout September to increase falls prevention awareness. To close out the month-long campaign, there will be a Stay Steady Workshop, Sept. 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at YMCA Healthy Living Center for aging Oklahomans. There will be a panel of aging professionals from different organizations across the state, as well as breakout sessions.

“Every week, 15 older adults die and 154 are hospitalized from a fall-related injury in Oklahoma. Falling is not a normal part of aging,” said Madelyn Maxwell, Healthy Aging and Falls Prevention Project Coordinator for OSDH. “These events aim to empower older adults and help them feel safe and confident in their daily lives.”

Oklahoma is home to more than 655,000 adults aged 65 years and older. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among persons 65 years and older in Oklahoma. Each year, falls result in the hospitalization of approximately 8,000 older adults and the death of more than 800 older adults. Falls not only threaten the safety and independence of older adults but also generate enormous economic and personal costs.

These events are a part of a larger OKDHS state-wide initiative, Aging Our Way Oklahoma, aimed at preparing the state for a significant demographic shift. By 2034, Americans 65 and older will outnumber people under 18 for the first time, increasing demands for aging services and support. The Stay Steady: Prevent Falls as You Age initiative addresses wellness and culture/ education which are two focus areas of OKDHS’ 10-year plan for Older Oklahomans.

“We are excited to collaborate with the Oklahoma State Health Department for Stay Steady: Prevent Falls as You Age,” said Joncia Johnson, Aging Our Way program director for OKDHS. “Falls touch nearly every family. Even if you haven’t experienced one yourself, chances are someone you care about has. That’s why we’re partnering through Aging Our Way to bring this message to the forefront—not to create fear, but to empower people with tools to live well and prevent the preventable.”

For more information about the month-long initiative or to register for events, visit the Stay Steady: Prevent Falls As You Age website.

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