Fall Statistics

• The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than men.
• Annually, falls are reported by 33% of all people 65 and older.
• 66% of those who fall will fall again in six months.
• Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people age 65 or older.
• Approximately 9,500 deaths in older adults are associated with falls each year.
• Among people 65 to 69, 1 out of every 200 falls result in a hip fracture.  Among those 85 or over, 1 fall in 10 result in a hip fracture.  25% of those who fracture a hip die within six months of the injury.
• The most profound effect of falling is the loss of independent functioning.
• Falls do not always result in a serious injury.  However, psychologically 25% of independent living people age 75 or over restrict their activities for a fear of falling.
• The majority of lifetime cost of injury for people over age 65 can be attributed to falls.

Causes and Prevention

Factor #1 Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become porous, less resistant to stress, and more prone to fractures.  This decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resultant injuries.

Prevention

• Eat or drink sufficient calcium
  • Postmenopausal women need 1,500 mg daily
• Get Vitamin D naturally from the sun
  • This helps absorption of calcium into the bloodstream
• Regularly do weight-bearing exercises

Factor #2 Lack of Physical Exercise

• Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility, which contributes to falls and the severity of injury due to falls.

Prevention

• Walking and Swimming regularly increase muscle and bone strength, improving balance and flexibility
• Undertake daily activities safely, such as reaching and bending properly, and rising from a chair or bed
• Wear proper fitting, supportive shoes with low heels or rubber soles.

Factor #3 Impaired Vision

• Age related vision diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma alter depth perception, vision acuity, peripheral vision and susceptibility to glare

Prevention

• Have regular exams by an ophthalmologist
• Use color and contrast to define balance-aiding objects (e.g., grab bars and handrails."
• Add contrasting color strips to first and last steps to show change of level
• Clean eye glasses to improve visibility

Factor #4 Medications

• Many medications can reduce mental alertness, worsening balance and gait, and causing drops in blood pressure while standing

Prevention

• Know common side effects of all medications taken
• Talk with your physician or pharmacist about the need for walking aids while taking medications that affect balance
• Remove all out of date medications and those no longer in use
• Have a physician or pharmacist review all of your current medications
• Limit the intake of alcohol as it may interact with medications

Factor # 5 Environmental Hazards

• At least one-third of all falls in the elderly occur in the home.  Tripping over objects, poor lighting, loose rugs, lack of grab bars, or poorly located/mounted grab bars, and unsteady furniture.

Prevention

All Living Spaces

• Use color changes to show changes in surface types or levels
• Secure rugs with nonskid tape and carpet edges
• Avoid throw rugs
• Remove oversized furniture and objects
• Have at least one phone in each level of the home with emergency numbers posted near it
• Add electrical outlets
• Reduce clutter
• Check lighting for adequate illumination and glare control
• Maintain nightlights or motion-sensitive lighting throughout home
• Use contrast in paint, furniture and carpet colors.
• Install electronic emergency response system if needed
• Install grab bars near toilets and bathtubs strong enough to hold your weight
• Use sturdy step stools when reaching something on a high shelf.

Rittman EMS

Captain Mary Yoss

Senior Outreach Coordinator