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Falls Among Older
Adults: An Overview
The chances are good that a senior citizen
will take a fall during the year. A fall can be
devastating to the person’s health and well-
being. Understanding the risks of falls, where
they tend to occur, and possible solutions
will help you address the concerns.
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How big is the problem?
• One out of three adults age 65
and older falls each year.
• Among those age 65 and older,
falls are the leading cause of injury
or accidental death. They are also
the most common cause of nonfatal
injuries and hospital admissions for
trauma.
• In 2007, over 18,000 older adults
died from unintentional fall injuries.
What outcomes are linked to falls?
• 20% to 30% of people who fall
suffer moderate to severe injuries
such as lacerations, hip fractures,
or head traumas. These injuries
can make it hard to get around or
live independently, and increase
the risk of early death.
• Falls are the most common cause
of traumatic brain injuries, or TBI.
In 2000, TBI accounted for 46%
of fatal falls among older adults.
• Most fractures among older adults
are caused by falls. The most
common are fractures of the spine,
hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis,
upper arm and hand.
• Many people who fall, even if they
are not injured, develop a fear of
falling. This fear may cause them
to limit their activities, leading to
reduced mobility and loss of physical
fi tness, which in turn increases their
actual risk of falling.
Who is at risk?
Fatal falls
•
In 2007, 81% of fall deaths were
among people 65 and older.
• Men are more likely to die from
a fall. After adjusting for age, the
fall fatality rate in 2007 was 46%
higher for men than for women.
Nonfatal falls
• The chances of falling and of being
seriously injured in a fall increase
with age. In 2009, the rate of fall
injuries for adults 85 and older was
almost four times that for adults
65 to 74.
• People age 75 and older who fall are
four to fi ve times more likely than
those age 65 to 74 to be admitted
to a long-term care facility for a year
or longer.
• Women are more likely than men to
be injured in a fall. In 2008, women
were 46% more likely than men to
suffer a nonfatal fall injury.
How can older adults prevent falls?
Older adults can take several steps to
protect their independence and reduce
their chances of falling. They can:
•
Exercise regularly. It’s important that
the exercises focus on increasing leg
strength and improving balance. Tai
Chi programs are especially good.
• Ask their doctor or pharmacist
to review their medicines—both
prescription and over-the counter—
to reduce side effects and interac-
tions that may cause dizziness or
drowsiness.
• Have their eyes checked by an
eye doctor at least once a year
and update their eyeglasses to
maximize their vision.
• Make their homes safer by reducing
tripping hazards, adding grab bars
and railings, and improving the
lighting in their homes.
Additional ways to lower
hip fracture risk include:
• Getting adequate calcium and
vitamin D in the diet.
• Undertaking a program of weight-
bearing exercise.
• Getting screened and treated for
osteoporosis.
Source:
cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adultfalls.html
(12.8.2010)