Fall-related Injury and Prevention

Falls among people 65 years of age or more are scary for the person who falls and for their family members.  Many of us know an older adult who suffered a very serious injury after falling or who had to make a dramatic change in their lifestyle after a fall.  Yet often we contrast this information with our own knowledge of and experience with a fall that was not at all significant.  How serious, really, is falling among people age 65 or more?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) produced a wonderful set of fact sheets describing the risks and consequences of falls among older adults.  These are free to view on your computer and can be printed.  Information from the fact sheet is presented and discussed here.

Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital trauma admissions.  More than a third of Medicare-aged people fall each year.  Somewhere between 20 and 30% of these older adults who fall suffer moderate to severe injury.  Moderate to severe injuries usually require medical attention.  Common severe injuries include fractures, particularly of the hip, and head trauma. 

Not surprisingly, the likelihood of being seriously injured in a fall increases with age.  Fall-related injury rates are 4 to 5 times as high for people over 85 years than for people 65 to 74 years old.  Falling among people age 65 years or more can be a serious and significant health event.  Thankfully, there are some simple things you can do to reduce your risk of falling:

• Exercise regularly
• Ask your doctor to review your medications to reduce side effects and interactions
• Have your eyes checked every year
• Improve the lighting in your home
• Reduce hazards in your home environment

For more details, check the CDC website or contact Dignity Care Consulting.