Unintentional falls are the primary cause of harm and death for people over 65 reports the Centers for Disease Control in a new report. You might have thought it was car accidents or cancer. Fortunately, many falls are preventable.
Nearly one in four older adults (14 million) reported falling in 2021. Fall rates, or at least reporting of fall rates, are higher in some states than in others. In Alaska, nearly four in ten older adults reported falling in 2020. In Illinois, just under two in ten reported falling. In 2o21, overall, 100 older adults died each day from falling.
While women fall more than men, men are more likely to die as a result of a fall than women. Just over 91 men out of 100,000 died of a fall in 2020, while 68 women out of 100,000 died of a fall.
Death rates from unintentionally falling also varied dramatically from state to state. In Alabama, 31 out of every 100,000 people died as a result of falling. In Wisconsin, 177 out of every 100,000 died as a result of falling.
Here’s what you can do to minimize your risk of falling:
- Have your primary care doctor assess you for the risk of falling.
- If your risk is high, determine whether there are any specific causes that can be treated and ask your doctor to check your medications.
- Get physical therapy–Medicare should cover it in full with a prescription from your doctor.
- Modify your home to reduce trip hazards such as loose rugs and bedding.
The National Council on Aging offers a free check-up that you can do yourself to determine if you are at risk of falling. To take the check-up, click here.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Aging in place: Safety at home
- Medicare covers physical, speech and occupational therapy
- What to do when an aging parent needs help but doesn’t want it
- Marijuana appears to offer several benefits…and risks
- Caregiving: Keeping Parents Healthy – Water, Walking, Watch out for Delirium
