Falling Injuries
Falling injuries are a serious matter. These accidents cause deadly consequences every year, especially to the elderly. According to Centers for Disease Control studies in 1994 and 2001, over one third of adults over age 65 fall each year in the USA. Fractures of the spine, ankle, pelvis, hip, leg, forearm, upper arm and hand are the most common injuries reported.
The medical cost for these falls was over $178 million for the fatal falls and almost $20 billion for the nonfatal injuries. Twenty percent of people with a hip fracture are expected die within a year of the injury due to complications of the fracture and subsequent illness due to limited mobility.
Women are 67 percent more likely than men to have nonfatal falling injury, but men are 49 percent more likely to die from a fall than women.
Not surprisingly, the risk of being seriously injured in a fall increases with age. According to 2001 CDC statistics, older adults over age 84 had four times the rate of fall injuries than those between ages 65 and 74. Eighty-five percent of deaths from falling accidents occurred in people age 74 or older. Those injured in a fall were four times more likely to spend up to a year in an extended care facility if they were older than 75.
People become more fearful and less mobile after a fall. Psychological trauma can then occur with falls. Independence is often compromised. Depression is common after a serious fall, and nursing home admissions increase.
Many falls can be prevented. Regular exercise builds strength. Improving balance and increasing flexibility are two of the most important measures a person can undertake. Yoga, Qigong, and tai chi are excellent exercise techniques that can also help.
Evaluating the lighting in all rooms to ensure adequate visibility is very important. Removing potential hazards such as electrical cords, throw rugs, and old magazines or newspapers that may accumulate on floors or stairways can make a big difference too. Another tip is to have your primary healthcare provider evaluate medications for potential adverse side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. Be sure to get adequate nutrition to help maintain strength and energy. Get regular checkups, including hearing and vision examinations. Give consideration to a telephone service such as Lifeline. In the event of a fall, injury or illness, a press of a button can summon help.
Do these things and you can reduce the risk of falling. You don’t have to become a statistic. Staying healthy and vigilant to prevent injury or death due to falling is something we can all do.