Do you sometimes feel worried or fearful of experiencing an unexpected fall? There are many people just like you who would agree that preventing falls and unwanted injuries as a result of a fall are very important for a better quality of life. Prevention has everything to do with educating yourself on the facts about falls – from major risk factors and long-term consequences to the best methods to improve your surroundings and overall health in the process.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers about fall prevention:
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A “FALL?”
According to the World Health Organization, a fall is defined as an event that results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level. Fall-related injuries may be fatal or non-fatal, though most are non-fatal.
HOW OFTEN DO THE ELDERLY FALL EACH YEAR?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF FALLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS?
Older adults can experience a fall due to various internal and external factors.
Internal factors could include:
WHERE DO FALLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY?
The majority of falls in the elderly population occur in or around seniors’ homes, especially during the day time when people are most active. About 10% occur in nursing homes or other institutions and about 50% occur outdoors on sidewalks, yards or gardens, streets or curbs, stairs, and parking lots.
ARE SENIORS MORE PRONE TO FALLS?
Although falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults, it is not an inevitable result of aging. By making realistic lifestyle improvements, participating in fall prevention programs, and following the guidelines provided by a trusted physical therapist, the likelihood of a fall can be substantially reduced.
WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES (EFFECTS) OF FALLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS?
Not all people who fall end up experiencing an injury. However, 20% of falls cause a serious injury such as broken bones (wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures) or a head injury. Injurious and non-injurious falls can affect confidence when walking leading to a sedentary lifestyle, thus resulting in increased weakness and more chances of falling.
WHAT ARE THE BEST STRATEGIES FOR FALL PREVENTION?
What questions do you have about fall prevention? Let us know in the comments!
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