Why Falls Occur
If you have ever fallen, you know how frightening it can be, even if you don’t injure yourself. As we age, the risk of a serious fall increases – falls can change your life and lifestyle.
In a 12-month period, more than one in four older adults will experience a fall and many do not report these to their doctors. Did you know:
- Approximately three million ER visits occur annually in the U.S. due to falls
- Of those, 20 to 30% are older adults who sustain injuries ranging from mild, such as bruises, to serious which can include head trauma
- Each year, nearly 319,000 older people go to the hospital for fractures of the hip
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Research has identified factors– many of which can be changed or modified to help minimize your risk of falling:
- Body weakness – especially in the hips/legs and abdominal muscles
- Insufficient levels of Vitamin D
- Medications such as sedatives or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can adversely affect balance
- Vision problems
- Hearing Loss
- Alcohol consumption
- Cognitive decline
- Home hazards or dangers, such as
- Steps – especially with poor lighting or uneven steps
- Throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over
Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors -the more a person has, the greater their chance of an incident.
While not all falls result in an injury, about 37% of those who fall reported an injury that required medical treatment or restricted their activity. These injuries can make it hard for a person to get around and accomplish daily activities of living. Falls can cause broken bones, like wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures. You should always seek medical attention if there is any question of an injury.
Assess Your Risk
Ways you can lower your fall risk:
- Be mindful of potential tripping hazards when walking around the home or outdoors
- Keep hydrated to help prevent low blood pressure and lack of balance, which can contribute to fall risk
- Stay physically active, choosing exercises that strengthen your core, legs and hips.
- Remove throw rugs, which commonly cause people to trip
- Install grab bars in the tub and shower area and beside the toilet
- Ensure there’s adequate lighting throughout the home and entryways
- Limit your use of alcohol
If you believe you or a loved one may be at risk for falls, consult your healthcare team to learn ways you can keep yourself and family safe.