RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – The leading cause of injury and death in older Americans has been determined to be falls, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control.
- What do we know about falls in the elderly?
In the last several years falls have been increasing. According to a CDC report, there were more than 29 million falls in older Americans, leading to 7 million injuries in one year. Nearly 2.8 million of these patients were seen in ERs and resulted in 800,000 hospitalizations.
Twenty-seven thousand falls lead to death. As more Americans reach the age of 65, this problem appears to be growing very quickly.
- What injuries and illness are associated with falls? Why are older Americans more likely to have recurrent falls?
Broken bones are quite common-particularly hips, arms and wrists. Head injuries are also quite common. Once a person falls once, they are twice as likely to fall and suffer injury again.
Many older adults are afraid to tell physicians or family about a fall for fear of losing independence.
- What can we all do to PREVENT falls and injury -for ourselves or our aging parents and relatives?
Prevention is critical in order for us to reverse this trend. Here are some steps you can take:
- Review medications with doctors for side effects that could cause dizziness
- Remove throw rugs
- Install handrails in bathroom
- Get annual eye exams
- Visit the shoe store and wear sturdy shoes
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