Falls: Why They Matter and What You Can Do

Abstract

Falls are a leading cause of serious injuries in older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 adults aged 65 years and older falls each year. Approximately half of all people residing in nursing homes fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury death and also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma for this population. In 2009, 2.2 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments, and more than 581,000 of these individuals were hospitalized. Twenty to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures or head traumas, which affect their ability to live independently and increase their risk of early death. The death rates from falls among older adults have risen sharply over the past decade. Many older adults who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling that may cause them to limit their activities. A reduction in physical activity can lead to reduced mobility and loss of physical function that in turn increase the risk of falling. Reducing fall risk in older adults is an important public health concern. According to the American Geriatrics Society, most falls are caused by problems with walking, coordination, and balance. Falls among older adults are rarely due to a single cause and are often a result of multiple factors. The risk of falling increases as the number of risk factors increases. There are numerous risk factors for falls in older adults including: