It’s fall — an ideal time to put on a light sweater, take a walk in the crisp air, and watch the green leaves being replaced by dazzling amber, maroon, gold, and bronze
hues.
Besides the rustic colors, crunchy leaves beneath your feet, and pumpkin-flavored everything, the first week of fall each year holds special meaning for seniors. The first week of fall each year is recognized as National Fall Prevention Awareness Week (you know — the other type of fall). And, it’s happening now! (September 17-21, 2018)
The reason why this particular week is so important is that everyone should be educated about falls, know how to prevent them, and what actions to take when they occur. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries, hospital admissions, and deaths among older adults in the U.S., and they can have a critical impact on their independence and quality of life.
Every second of every
day, an adult aged 65 or older falls in the United States. Every 12 seconds, one of these older Americans is admitted to the emergency department for a fall; and every day, 74 of those will die from a fall.
Falls are Serious and Costly
In 2015, the Medicare costs of falls requiring medical treatment were more than $31 billion, and the average cost of a nonfatal fall was nearly $10,000. Here are some other startling statistics about falls:
- One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bone or a head injury;
- Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries;
- Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture;
- Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures;
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways;
- Falls are the most common cause of
traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- The total medical costs for falls totaled more than $50 billion. Medicare and Medicaid shouldered 75% of these costs.
Falls aren’t just a normal part of aging. Older Americans and their caregivers can take steps to
prevent them.
Help Protect the Ones You Love. Take Steps to Prevent Falls.
