John Hancock Joins LifePlans, Inc. and the Department of Health and Human Services to Pilot Fall Prevention Program f...( BOSTON July 30 /- John Hancock Li...),Health

BOSTON, July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Life Insurance Company (John Hancock) was selected by LifePlans, Inc. in conjunction with the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to pilot a Living Independently and Falls-free Together (LIFT) program to study education and awareness methods designed to help prevent falls among older Americans.

Nearly one-third of people over age 65 fall each year. Falls are a leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of non-fatal injuries among the elderly.(1)

Most falls occur at seniors' homes and are a major contributor to nursing home admissions and long-term care claim costs. Over the next few decades, the cost for providing long-term care will be a major expense for American households, insurers, states and the federal government. It is estimated that the cost of all fall injuries for people age 65 or older will be roughly $36 billion in 2008, and will climb to $44 billion by 2020.(1)

"Falls among seniors are frequent, related to health deterioration and are costly -- but can be prevented," said Marianne Harrison, President of John Hancock Long-Term Care Insurance. "We're pleased to work with LifePlans and DHHS on the LIFT program to find the most effective way of reducing these falls."

Through the LIFT Program, approximately five thousand John Hancock policyholders will voluntarily participate receiving various combinations of assessments and program interventions including:

-- Telephone evaluation by a nurse to evaluate health and fall risk factors

-- An in-home visit by a nurse to evaluate health, lifestyle, fall history, home environment, and medical conditions

-- Personalized action plan with specific recommendations designed to increase independence and reduce the risk of falling

-- Fall prevention tool kit including a pedometer, exercise video and other items designed to help individuals stay healthy and safe at home

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