Do you remember reading about the fall-related deaths of once- prominent professional athletes and of Robert Atkins, well-known author of Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution? With all of our concerns about developing heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, we pay too little attention to the risks of falling as we grow older.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that death rates from falls among people 65 years of age or older increased by 45 percent in men and by 60 percent in women between 1993 and 2003. The more than 13,700 fatalities per year makes falls the 14th leading cause of death among these older Americans.
In addition, falls among seniors have led to an estimated 1.8 million visits to emergency rooms each year. Fall-related injuries in older citizens are an important cause of disability and admissions to nursing homes. The direct medical cost of falls for all adults in the U.S. is estimated at about $18 billion a year.
The growing number of older people with chronic illnesses and disabilities undoubtedly accounts for the greater burden of injuries and deaths from falls among seniors. In addition, the fear of falling may limit the activities of older individuals.
Many of these falls can be prevented. Here are some tips to help you or an older loved one avoid a life-threatening fall:
- Increase muscle strength and balance. These exercises will help you avoid a fall when you stumble.
- Get your eyes checked. Make sure your prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses are up to date.
- Be careful with medications. Ask your doctor to adjust any medications that may cause impaired balance, loss of alertness, or dizziness from orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when getting out of bed or a chair.
- Fall-proof your home. Many dangerous falls occur at home. All hallways, bathrooms, and stairwells need to be well lit at night. Remove potential obstacles like extension cords. Beware of area rugs, like the one in our bathroom that nearly caused me to fall as it slipped when I stepped on it. And consider installing grip-bars in bathtubs and showers.
One bit of good news in the CDC report: there was a 21 percent drop in the overall rate of hospitalization for hip fractures among women during the 10-year period of the study.
