7 Big Trip and Fall Dangers for Seniors

Falls are perhaps the biggest single health risk facing seniors. Consider these statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• 5 million seniors are treated in emergency rooms every year for injuries from falls.
• One in three adults over age 65 fall every year
• Such falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries amongst older adults.
• The risk for being seriously hurt from a fall jumps increased nearly fourfold between ages 65 and 74.
• In 2011, about 22,900 adults died from unintentional injuries resulting from falls.
• From 2000-2013, the age-adjusted fall injury death rate among the elderly nearly doubled, from 29.6 to 56.7 per 100,000

Falls can have such serious consequences for seniors because many seniors are frail or have pre-existing vulnerabilities, medical conditions, or disabilities such that even minor falls can impact those conditions and lead to further complications. Seniors’ bodies generally just do not handle or recover from trauma as effectively as they used to.

The CDC has identified a variety of risk factors for falls by seniors. Seven of the biggest risk factors for falls:

• Lower body weakness
• Vitamin D deficiency (that is, not enough vitamin D in your system)
• Difficulties with walking and balance
• Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants.
• Vision problems
• Foot pain or poor footwear
• Home hazards or dangers such as broken or uneven steps, throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over, and no handrails along stairs or in the bathroom.

For many older adults, the fear of falling can paradoxically increase the chances of an actual fall. Fear can cause seniors to reduce their movement and activity, which can lead to physical weakness. Seniors can reduce their fear of falling, and reduce the risk of falls generally by working on their physical strength and balance through regular exercise and activities such as tai chi.

At The Parian Law Firm in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we represent injury victims exclusively and are committed to getting justice and compensation for our clients. Please contact us at (770) 727-5550 or chat live online with a member of our staff today.