Startling Statistic: One in four Americans ages 65 and above – 29% of seniors – fall each year.
Although we hope they’ll get right back up, many cannot. They might sustain bumps and bruises, strains and sprains, and broken bones, and lasting trauma.
Every year, 3 million older adults will be treated for fall-related injuries in the emergency room, with 800,000 having to be hospitalized following a fall.
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal injury and nonfataltrauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. Beyond physical injuries, falls also can lead to overwhelming fears of falling, loss of independence, and social isolation.
Falling down is often viewed as an inevitable part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. Researchers continue to report encouraging findings that pinpoint reasons why seniors fall, as well as steps older Americans can take to prevent falls. In October, the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging released abipartisan report calling for more concerted efforts to prevent falls among the elderly.
“In addition to the physical and emotional trauma of falls, the financial toll is staggering,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R–Maine. “Now is the time, and now is our opportunity, to take action to prevent falls.”
It’s estimated that older adults incur $50 billion annually in fall-related medical costs, a number that’s expected to double by 2030.
“We must dispel our loved ones of the stigma associated with falling so that they can get the help they need to age in place – where they want to be – in their homes and communities,” added Sen. Bob Casey, D–Penn.
A variety of factors contribute to falls among seniors, including an overall decline in physical fitness, chronic conditions like arthritis or Parkinson’s that can weaken the body, poor vision, orthopedic concerns, neurological disorders, side effects from medications, or issues impacting muscles, joints and nerves.