Senior Fall Prevention
|
Risk Factor |
Fact |
| Age 65 and older |
- One out of three fall every year.
- Leading cause of injury death - 15,800 in 2005.
- Increased number of falls as people age.
- Hip fractures lead to most deaths.
|
| Utahns 55 and older |
- 27% of injury deaths, 1999-2001.
|
| Gender |
- Women fall more frequently.
- More men die as a result of falls.
|
| Reduced activity |
- Weakened muscles and poor balance.
- Fear of falling, leading to even less activity and more falls.
|
| Home |
- Over 50% falls, primarily on level surfaces.
- Mostly in bathrooms (slippery and hard surfaces)
|
|
Chronic illness/multiple medications |
- Restricted or modified activity.
- Adverse medicine interactions may affect balance and mobility.
|
| Previous fall |
- Less independence.
- 2-3 times more likely to fall again.
- Fractures most common - hips and limbs.
- More dependence on caregivers and agencies.
|
| Dementia |
- Reduced self care.
- Reduced attentiveness.
|
