The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that every year:
- One out of four Americans aged 65 and older falls
- More than 2.8 million fall-related injuries are treated in emergency departments
- Among those, 800,000 patients will be hospitalized and more than 27,000 will die
- One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or head trauma
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury
Falling doesn't have to be inevitable as we get older. Falls often involve multiple factors such as lack of exercise, too many medications, poor vision and other factors you can take steps to improve. Here are some ideas to help avoid falling.
- Get your vision checked and if needed, get an updated eye glass prescription
- Join an exercise or physical therapy program to help you improve your strength and balance
- Make safety adjustments to make your home a fall-free zone
- Get rid of throw rugs, laundry piles and unnecessary clutter on the floor
- Put non-slip mats, handrails or a safety bar/bench in your shower
- Add handrails to stairways
- Wear reliable, non-slip shoes
- Use a cane or walker if needed
Remember, falling does not have to be an inevitable part of aging. By taking proactive steps, like the ones mentioned above, a great number of falls can be prevented. For more information, visit the International Council on Aging.