Are you over 65 and worried about getting hit by a car as you walk down the street? The data show that older adults are as likely as younger adults to get hit by a car. But, Paula Span reports for The New York Times that older adults are more likely to die from their injuries.
Older adults are more vulnerable when they are on a walk. When you’re older, you’re frailer and walk more slowly. Your hearing and vision are less sharp than when you were younger. And, you tend to react more slowly, reducing the likelihood that you will escape a car collision.
When cars crash into older adults, they are likely to need knee, shoulder and hip replacements. They are also likely to recover more slowly from the pain.
Death rates for older adults from car crashes are higher, in part because older adults are walking more. The increased outdoor physical activity among older adults from just fifteen years ago is a good thing. But, as a consequence of that activity and the increased use of big heavy cars, more older adults are likely to get hit by a car. The increased consumption of alcohol by older adults is also contributing to their higher rate of injuries and deaths.
And, then there are the e-bikes. Injuries to pedestrians from e-bikes tripled between 2019 and 2022.
Where are the injuries and deaths most likely to happen for older adults? Not surprisingly, near pharmacies, health clinics and senior centers, in locations where older adults are more likely to be walking.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Walkable communities good for your memory
- If you’re over 70 and have trouble walking, talk to your doctor
- The benefits of walking barefoot at home
- The health benefits of a microwalk
- Walk as much as possible, especially in the hospital.
