Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults who are 65 years old or older (source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Falls are the number one reason for admission to the Rhode Island Hospital adult trauma service. Falls can cause significant injuries such as head trauma and broken bones and can lead to serious consequences and even death.
Seniors are at particularly high risk not only to experience a fall, but also to sustain a serious injury or experience significant complications.
Certain medical conditions can make you at higher risk for a fall. They include:
Hazards in or outside the home can also increase the risk of a fall:
Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors you have, the higher your chances of falling.
Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. (Source: CDC)
A senior’s general health as well as medications they are taking can significantly increase the risk of falling. (Source: National Council for Aging Care)
One in three senior adults experiences a fall each year. (Source: National Council for Aging Care)
Falls can be prevented. These are some simple things you can do to keep yourself from falling.
