More older adults are falling across Arizona and the rest of the United States, and many of these falls are leading to serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. Older adults often have more fall-related risk hazards than younger Americans. This raises, not only their chances of falling but also, their chances of suffering serious injuries when they do fall.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every five falls leads to a serious injury, such as a head injury or broken bone.
Statistics about falls
Each year, more than 800,000 Americans undergo hospitalization after falling. In most cases, these patients go to the hospital because they suffered hip fractures or head injuries. Hip fractures, in particular, are a common result of falls and falls among older adults, with about 95% of them resulting from these circumstances. About 300,000 people seek treatment for hip fractures at U.S. hospitals each year.
Repercussions associated with falls
Falls often lead to head or brain injuries, both of which have the potential to permanently impact the quality of life. Falls also often cause broken bones, including broken arms, wrists and ankles. Even when those who fall do not suffer serious injuries, the fall may make them more fearful of moving about, leading to a reduction in physical activity. When this happens, strength and flexibility may suffer, which in turn enhances fall risks.
Many falls result from a combination of environmental factors and risk factors. Learning how to negate common causes of falls should help reduce the number of Americans seeking treatment for falls at American hospitals each year.
