Fall-related death rates for men and women 65 years and older increased by more than half during the past 10 years, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Statistics show that more than 13,700 older Americans died from falls each year, which makes falls the leading cause of injury deaths among people 65 and older. More men (46.2 percent) die from falls than do women (31.1 percent). Each year:
- Almost 1.8 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries from falls
- More than 460,000 are hospitalized
- The direct medical cost for falls among older adults is approximately $19 billion...and rising
People are living longer. And their age-related deterioration of sight, hearing, balance, and overall strength are factors in increased falls.
Risk Factors – and How to Reduce Them
Osteoporosis
Bones become weaker and more porous in many older people, especially those with small bones. Women are generally at higher risk. Brittle bones are a factor in many falls.
- See a doctor to be checked for bone density. Osteoporosis can be treated with increased physical activity and calcium and vitamin D supplements.
- Postmenopausal women need 1,500 mg of calcium daily. Calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, fish, broccoli, soybeans, collards, and tofu.
Lack of Physical Activity
Insufficient exercise leads to poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility.
- Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, at least every other day. Aim for 15 to 30 minutes every day.
- Wear proper fitting, supportive shoes. Be careful when reaching, bending, sitting, or getting up from a chair or couch.
Impaired Vision
Vision decreases with age. And some diseases, such as diabetes, cause increased vision impairment. Cataracts and glaucoma are also common in older people.
- Have regular checkups by an ophthalmologist – at least once a year – to determine if your glasses need a new prescription.
- Install handles and grab bars in your home or apartment. Use bright colors to make objects easier to see. Add bright colored strips to the first and last steps in stairways.
- Clean your glasses frequently to insure the best visibility.
Medications
Older people often take more than one medication. Medications can interact with each other to cause side effects that might reduce balance or muscle control.
- Ask your doctor and pharmacist about possible drug interactions and dangers. If there is a possible problem, ask your doctor to change one or more of your prescriptions.
- Be sure your doctor prescribes the lowest possible dosages of each medication that will still be effective.
- Remove and destroy all out-of-date prescriptions and those you no longer need.
Environmental Hazards
One in three falls involves hazards in the home. The most common cause of a fall is tripping over objects on the floor. Other factors are poor lighting, slippery rugs, lack of grab bars, falling down stairs, and unsteady or poorly placed furniture.
- Repair cracks in sidewalks, add handrails to outdoor (and indoor) steps and stairways, keep sidewalks clear, and be sure to have adequate outdoor lighting.
- Make sure indoor rugs have non-slip backing, avoid throw rugs, avoid oversized furniture, have a telephone in several rooms and at least one on each level of the house, have sufficient electrical outlets so you don't have to use extension cords that you could trip over, and have nightlights throughout your home.
- Install grab bars in your shower and beside the toilet, put non-skid mats in bathtubs and showers, install a hand-held shower head, and use a raised toilet seat if needed.
- Keep kitchen items within easy reach, use a sturdy stepstool for reaching hard-to-reach items, keep appliance cords out of the way, and do not wax kitchen floor surfaces.
- Make sure chairs and couches are easy to get into and out of, and remove wheels from furniture.
- Use a TV, DVD, or CD remote as well as cordless phones.
- Have bedside lamps that are easy to reach, keep a phone near your bed, make sure your bed is high enough to be easy to get into and out of.
- Have a comfortable, firm chair to sit in while dressing.
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