Falling Dowm Goes Up With Age

In the U.S., falls are the leading cause of injuries in people 65 years old and up. Understandably, accidents and health conditions are the leading culprits. What's really surprising is that most of the falls occur at home, while performing common activities.

What causes the falls? Balance can be affected by medications, alcohol, heart disease, low blood pressure or arthritis. Poor eyesight and hearing, decreased coordination and strength, slower reflexes and other disabilities can be factors. Within the household, worn carpets, newly positioned furniture, clutter on the floor, poor lighting, electric wires, stairs and wet floors can lead to trouble.

Fortunately most falls are minor and result in a quick recovery. But the severity of injury increases with age with the most common injuries being head traumas and fractures to the hip, wrist and spine. Even when there is no physical injury, there can be a dramatic affect on the senior and their family. Fear of future falls can decrease confidence, which can lead to less independence and social life.

• Each year about 30% of the seniors over the age of 65 take a fall.
• There are more than 350,000 hip fractures treated each year in the U.S. and 90% are the result of a fall.
• 1 in 4 women over the age of 90 has fallen and fractured their hip.
• In the U.S., the overall cost of treating the injuries caused by seniors falling is in the area of $20 billion per year.
• Hip fractures make up the majority of the cost because they are so numerous and cost about $35,000 per person.