If you are an older adult, you need to keep an eye out for various hazards that could threaten your well-being, from traffic accidents to concerns involving prescription medication. However, many older adults suffer serious injuries after falling down and statistics show that a significant number of older adults face different hardships after a fall.
Understand some of the potential hazards that could cause you to fall down and take steps to make your living space safer. Moreover, keep an eye out while you are walking in public, especially since some business owners and property owners show little regard for the safety of others.
Statistics on older adult falls, deaths and injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that on an annual basis, roughly 36 million older adults fall down. Falls impact women more frequently than men and over 95% of all hip fractures occur as a result of falls. Roughly 20% of falls result in an injury.
Every year, about three million older adults receive emergency treatment for fall-related injuries and over 32,000 lose their lives in these accidents.
Preventing and addressing falls as an older adult
The CDC outlines a number of steps older adults (and those who care for elderly people) can take to prevent falls. For example, you should get rid of clutter, review medication that can cause drowsiness and consider adding grab bars in the shower.
If you suffered an injury after falling down as a result of another person’s negligence, you may want to consider taking your case to court. Make sure you review the details of the accident and pursue resources that could help you move forward.
