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St. Petersburg, FL – The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco – Pinellas (AAAPP) announces that its Better Living for Seniors Pinellas Falls Prevention Coalition has been honored with a 2019 Aging Achievement Award by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a). The awards program is supported by WellCare Health Plans. AAAPP was among 48 local aging programs to receive honors at the n4a Annual Conference & Tradeshow, July 27-31, New Orleans. 

The 2019 n4a Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American aging programs that develop and implement cutting-edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities and their family caregivers. Among the selection criteria was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.   

“n4a is thrilled to present the Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards to a diverse and talented group of Area Agencies on Aging. We are happy to say that every corner of the country is represented in the 2019 awards this year” said Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer of n4a. “The work the AAAs have done to deliver innovative and successful programs in their communities is remarkable. From programs that focus on healthy aging or transportation to nutrition or social engagement, we commend them all and urge them to continue creating great programs like the ones highlighted in this year’s 2019 Aging Innovations and Achievements Awards,” Markwood said. 

Better Living for Seniors Pinellas, an initiative of the AAAPP that works to engage local aging business partners, drives community-wide work to reduce the prevalence of falls through a Fall Prevention Coalition. Coalition initiatives include Denying Gravity, an innovative fall prevention comedy play put on by SAGES, a local volunteer senior acting troupe and local fire departments; a series of quarterly community provider symposiums; and a pilot program at two assisted living facilities to reduce unnecessary calls to EMS for falls assistance. Through these activities, Denying Gravity has reached more than 1,700 local older adults, and the two assisted living facilities involved in the EMS pilot program saw a 12% overall reduction in 911 calls in 2018. Additionally, a documentary called Saving Claire will premiere locally in September, before being released nationally on PBS.  

“AAAPP is so fortunate to have a host of community partners so committed to ensuring optimal quality of life for older adults in Pinellas & Pasco,” said Ann Marie Winter, AAAPP Executive Director. “Falls are strongly associated with negative health outcomes for older adults, so the collaborative efforts to address falls risk is extremely important in keeping our community safe and healthy.”  

All winners are showcased in the n4a awards book.  

About the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco Pinellas The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco – Pinellas is a local nonprofit organization that has been the place to start for individuals and families looking to age safely and independently in their homes and communities since 1974. Our mission is to be a trusted resource to advocate, educate and empower seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, which promotes independence, in partnership with the community. In 2018, AAAPP provided resources to more than 51,000 individuals in areas such as transportation, nutrition, caregiving, long term care education, and more. 

About n4a The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is the leading voice on aging issues for the 622 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the country and a champion in our nation’s capital for the more than 250 Title VI Native American aging programs. n4a’s primary mission is to build the capacity of our members so they can help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.