Short Falls Can Be Fatal for The Elderly

Thirty percent of people over 65 fall each year. The number of fall related accidents has increased by 55% between 1993 and 2003 – a side effect of our aging population.

The elderly are three times more likely to die from a fall related accident than the general population.

In contrast to falls from greater heights, ground-level falls essentially falls from a standing position, with feet touching the ground prior to the fall have traditionally been considered minor injuries. But, the new study found elderly adults 70 years or older who experience ground-level falls are much more likely to be severely injured and less likely to survive their injuries compared to adults younger than 70 years. Elderly patients are three times as likely to die following a ground-level fall compared to their under-70 counterparts.

Read more at http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=3020

It’s clear that minimizing fall accidents will help seniors lead longer and healthier lives. Here are some simple ways to reduce falls:

  • Reduce clutter
  • Check floors for loose rugs
  • Avoid highly polished flooring
  • Use rubber grip mats in bathrooms
  • Install safety bars in bathrooms
  • Keep well hydrated
  • Be careful about dizziness due to medications
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