Preventing Falls With Seniors

Falls are a significant risk towards losing independence in the elderly. Some falls cannot be avoided, but many can, if you know what to look for.

Here are some facts and tips to keep your loved ones safe.

Quick Facts...

• The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men.
• Two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within six months.
• A decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resultant injuries.
• Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility.
• At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home.

Statistics...

• The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than men.
• Annually, falls are reported by one-third of all people 65 and older.
• Two-thirds of those who fall will fall again within six months.
• Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 or over.
• Approximately 9,500 deaths in older Americans are associated with falls each year. The elderly account for seventy-five percent of deaths from falls.
• More than half of all fatal falls involve people 75 or over, only 4 percent of the total population.
• Among people 65 to 69, one out of every 200 falls results in a hip fracture, and among those 85 or over, one fall in 10 results in a hip fracture.
• One-fourth of those who fracture a hip die within six months of the injury.
• The most profound effect of falling is the loss of independent functioning. Twenty-five percent of those who fracture a hip require life-long nursing care. About 50 percent of the elderly who sustain a fall-related injury will be discharged to a nursing home rather than return home.
• Most falls do not result in serious injury. However, there is often a psychological impact. Approximately 25 percent of community-dwelling people 75 or over unnecessarily restrict their activities because of fear of falling.
• The majority of the lifetime cost of injury for people 65 or over can be attributed to falls.

Statistics came from Colorado State University Extension and has some useful information if you’re interested.

There are also some useful tips on prevention over at the Mayo Clinic. “6 tips to prevent falls”.