Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries to older people in the U.S. Each year, more than 11 million people older than 65 fall - one of every three senior citizens.
Treatment of the injuries and complications associated with these falls costs the U.S. $20.2 billion annually. A serious national problem now, falls could reach epidemic levels as the population ages in the future.
Who falls?
- older women - especially Caucasians and Asians
- seniors unable to stand on one leg for more than five seconds
- users of multiple prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- elderly people who live alone
Falls can occur anytime, anyplace, and to anyone while doing everyday activities such as climbing stairs or getting out of a bathtub or shower.
Where do falls occur?
- 60 percent: home
- 30 percent: community
- 10 percent: in institutions, such as nursing homes
A fall can be a major life-changing event, decreasing your mobility and independence. It can lead to hospitalization. Forty percent of nursing home admissions are due to falls. The number of falls and the severity of injury increase with age. However, falls are not natural occurrences. Many falls can be prevented.
- Eliminate tripping hazards in your home and install handrails, grab bars and other safety devices.
- Engage in regular, moderate amounts of physical activity to maintain your strength, coordination, agility and balance.
- Get an eye examination and physical each year.
- Check with your doctor(s) about side effects of all your prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Wear properly-fitting shoes with nonskid soles.
- Obtain adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake; do not smoke.
(For a free Don't Let a Fall Be Your Last Trip brochure, call the Academy's public service telephone number (800) 824-BONES or send a stamped, self addressed business size envelope to Don't Let a Fall Be Your Last Trip, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, P.O. Box 1998, Des Plaines, Ill. 60018.)
AAOS does not review or endorse accuracy or effectiveness of materials, treatments or physicians.
Information provided by American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
March 2000
