“Help! I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up!” We all remember this famous line for the emergency response brand Life Alert. For many older adults, this mere commercial line becomes their reality. According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide and adults over the age of 65 suffer the greatest number of fatal falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in the United States, 1 in 4 older adults fall, but less than half tells their doctor. Although most falls do not cause injury, 1 out of 5 falls cause a serious injury such as a head injury or a broken bone.
Some things that can increase the risk of falling include:
- Weakness in your lower body
- Lack of Vitamin D
- Difficulty with balance and walking
- Taking medications that affect balance (make you dizzy or sleepy)
- Problems with vision
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Home hazards (Broken steps, lifted carpet)
Not only do falls put us at risk for injury, they also cost a lot of money. According to the CDC each year, approximately 300,000 older adults are hospitalized for hip fractures and 95 percent of hip fractures due to falls are caused by falling sideways. On average, the cost of treatment of falls is $30,000 and that cost increases with age. Medicare and Medicaid covered more than 75 percent of the $50 billion of medical costs for falls in 2015. These expenses will continue to increase with the older adult population unless the necessary intervention methods are taken.
Falls are an abnormal part of the aging process and they can be prevented with help from our doctors, nurses, and physical therapists.
The following are ways to lower the risk of falling:
- Having a physician evaluate the risk of falling and reviewing any medications that may increase falls
- Exercising
- It has been reported that exercise can reduce the rate of falling among older adults.
- Tai chi and aerobic exercises are great ways to get active
- Getting annual eye exams and updating eyeglass prescriptions when necessary
- Making home modifications
- Installing grab bars in the tub or near the toilet
- Putting railings on both sides of stairs
- Removing carpet that is lifting and
- Investing in additional lighting for rooms that are hard to see in
Falls can not only be dangerous for older adults, they can be fatal as well. However, with the appropriate resources and knowledge, falls can be prevented.
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