Aging • Safety Staying Safe and Preventing Falls

Falls account for nearly one-third of all non-fatal injuries in the U.S., according to Injury Facts. For some people, falls result in embarrassment, skinned knees or broken bones. For others, falls can signal the beginning of lifestyle changes – or even lead to death.

Every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall, and many more are injured, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC data indicates:

• More than one in four older adults falls every year; fewer than half tell their doctor
• 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments each year for fall injuries
• More than 800,000 patients are hospitalized each year because of injuries due to a fall, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture

Because the aging process can affect vision, strength and balance, adults 65 and older are at elevated risk for falls. However, falls are not a natural part of aging and can be prevented. You can identify simple steps that can make a big difference:

• Practice balance exercises at home, like these from the Go4Life program from the National Institutes for Health. 
• Check your risk for falling. This self-assessment from CDC allows you to compute your fall risk. Be sure to share the results with your doctor.

Make Your Home Safer

While falls can occur anywhere, they most often occur at home. Be sure to:

• Clear your floor: Remove clutter, small furniture, pet gear, electrical cords, throw rugs and anything else that might cause someone to trip
• Arrange or remove furniture so there is plenty of room for walking
• Put essential items where they are easy to reach
• Add grab bars inside and outside of your bathtub or shower and next to the toilet
• Put railings on both sides of the stairs, and make sure stairs and hallways have good lighting
• Make sure outdoor areas are well lit and walkways are smooth and free of puddles and ice
• Use a cane or walker if necessary

While we all are aging every day, falls do not have to be a part of that process. Understanding fall risks is the first step to keeping our loved ones and ourselves safe.

Source: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/older-adult-falls