As the average person ages, their risk of falling increases. Senior falls can have serious consequences, including injuries like fractures, head trauma, or even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults. However, many falls are preventable with the proper precautions and interventions. Read on to explore essential fall prevention tips and strategies every senior and family caregiver should know.
Senior fall-related statistics
According to the most recent data from the CDC, falls are a significant health issue in the aging population. Here are several sobering senior fall-related statistics:
- One in four seniors fall annually, with most falls occurring in the home.
- Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, with over 3 million older adults treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries each year.
- Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall in the United States.
- Falls are responsible for over 95% of hip fractures in seniors, and hip fractures are a leading cause of disability and loss of independence among older adults.
- Falls result in about 1 million hospitalizations and over 32,000 deaths each year.
- The risk of falling continues to increase with age, with the highest risk among individuals aged 75 and older.
Sadly, many seniors never fully recover from their fall-related injuries, while others lose their independence permanently as a result — forcing them to explore various long-term care options.
Why are older adults more fall-prone?
There are several reasons older adults are more prone to falling. Physiological changes accompanying aging, such as decreased muscle strength, poor balance, and reduced vision, make seniors more susceptible to falls. Certain medications, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and antihypertensives, can also increase the risk of falling by causing dizziness or drowsiness.
Environmental factors can also play a significant role in senior falls. Most falls occur in the home, particularly in bathrooms, halls, and stairways. Slippery floors, poor lighting, cluttered pathways, and lack of grab bars or handrails can all contribute to falls in these spaces. For all these reasons, older adults must be aware of these risks and take steps to make their homes safer.
Fall prevention tips for seniors
Thankfully, most senior falls are preventable. As an essential part of any home safety strategy, here are several ways aging-in-place adults can minimize their risk of falling:
Use assistive devices
One of the most cost-effective strategies is to add assistive devices around the home. Transfer devices, walking aids, mobility devices, grab bars, and handrails can all help seniors move safely and confidently. These devices can be notably beneficial in high-risk areas like bathrooms and stairways.
Create clear pathways
Clearing pathways in the home is another critical fall prevention step. Removing area rugs, decluttering, securing electrical cords, and moving or reducing the size of furniture can all minimize the risk of tripping and falling. Creating a clear, unobstructed path through the home can make it easier for seniors to move around safely.
Monitor medication side effects
It’s also vital for older adults to be aware of potential medication side effects that could increase their risk of falling. Seniors should work closely with their health care providers to identify medications that may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other side effects that could affect balance. Carefully reading medication labels and following dosing instructions can also help reduce the risk of falls.
Stay physically fit
Engaging in physical activity is another key component of fall prevention for seniors. Regular exercise can help maintain muscle tone, bone strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination, all of which are important for preventing falls. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, yoga, water aerobics, and tai chi can all help improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. Seniors should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.
Consider using a medical alert system
In addition to the above fall prevention strategies, having a sound medical alert system in the home can provide seniors with an added layer of security. These systems consist of a wearable device that can be activated in case of a fall or other emergency. When activated, the device sends a signal to a monitoring center, where trained operators can dispatch help to the senior’s location.
Medical alert systems can provide peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones. In the event of a fall or other emergency, help is just a push of a button away. Some systems also offer features like automatic fall detection, which can send an alert even if the senior cannot press the button themselves. This feature can be notably helpful for seniors living alone or at a higher risk of falling.
Several types of medical alert systems are available, ranging from traditional pendant-style devices to smartwatch-mimicking options with GPS tracking and other high-tech features. When choosing a medical alert system, seniors and their caregivers should consider factors like ease of use, range of coverage, battery life, and cost. Many systems offer monthly monitoring fees, so choosing a system that fits the senior’s security needs and budget is essential.
It is possible to reduce the risk of falling
While falls are a significant health issue in the aging population, there are several steps seniors can take to significantly reduce the risk of falling. Adding assistive devices around the home, clearing pathways, monitoring medication side effects, exercising regularly, and using a medical alert system are all proactive measures seniors can implement to prevent falls and maintain their independence.
Seniors and their caregivers must work together to create a safe and supportive home environment that reduces the risk of falls and promotes health and well-being in late adulthood. Following these fall prevention tips empowers older adults, allowing them to lead more active and fulfilling lives as their golden years play out.
