The CDC just released data on unintentional injuries for persons age 65+ in the US between 2007 and 2016. While unintentional injuries are the seventh leading cause of death, falls account for the largest percentage.
- 1/4 of US residents aged 65+ report falling each year
- fall-related ER visits are estimated at 3 million per year
- In 2016, 29,66 US residents age 65+ died as a result of a fall, compared to 18,334 deaths in 2007
My first thought is that we have more seniors today than we had in 2007, as a result of Baby Boomers attaining a senior status. We aren't referred to the silver tsunami for nothing.
However, the CDC evaluated this data a bit more and found that the rate of deaths from falls have increased by 31%, or 3.0% per year, since 2007.
Falls are preventable and healthcare providers should be addressing fall risk with their patients during annual visits. But, older adults shouldn't wait for an annual visit if they have any concerns about the impact of medications, reduced activity, chronic conditions and age related changes in gait and balance. The National Institute on Aging's Go4Life site provides information, exercise demonstrations and tools to help seniors get started on a journey to improve their endurance, balance, flexibility and strength.
But also consider it may be time to look into mobility aids, bed rails or other assistive devices to stay safe.
Comments
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.