Risk factors can be modified to help prevent serious falls

The arrival of fall has many in the health care industry focusing on preventing serious falls among senior adults.

Sept. 22 was the first day of fall and also the National Council on Aging’s “Falls Prevention Awareness” Day.

According to the National Council on Aging, one-fourth of Americans aged 65 or older falls each year. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall, and every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. Falls result in more than 3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including 850,000 hospitalizations and more than 29,000 deaths.

According to the CDC, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but fewer than half tell their doctor. Falling once also doubles your chances of falling again.

Falls Are Serious and Costly

■ One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.

■ Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.

■ More than 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 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.

■ Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.

■ In 2015, the total medical costs for falls totaled more than $50 billion.

What Can Happen After a Fall?

Many falls do not cause injuries, but some do cause serious injuries, such as a broken bone or a head injury. These injuries can make it hard for a person to get around, do everyday activities or live on their own.

■ Falls can cause broken bones, like wrist, arm, ankle and hip fractures.

■ Falls can cause head injuries. These can be very serious, especially if the person is taking certain medicines (like blood thinners). An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury.

■ Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker, and this increases their chances of falling.

What Conditions Make You More Likely to Fall?

Research has identified many conditions that contribute to falling. These are called risk factors. Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls. They include:

■ Lower body weakness.

■ Vitamin D deficiency (that is, not enough vitamin D in your system).

■ Difficulties with walking and balance.

■ Use of medicines such as tranquilizers, sedatives or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and how steady you are on your feet.

■ Vision problems.

■ Foot pain or poor footwear.

■ Home hazards or dangers such as broken or uneven steps and throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over.

Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling.

There are some things seniors can do to keep from falling.

■ Ask a doctor to evaluate your risk for falling and talk with them about specific things you can do.

■ Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy. This should include prescription medicines and over-the counter medicines.

■ Do strength and balance exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance. Tai Chi is a good example of this kind of exercise.

■ Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and be sure to update your eyeglasses if needed.

■ If you have bifocal or progressive lenses, you may want to get a pair of glasses with only your distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking. Sometimes these types of lenses can make things seem closer or farther away than they really are.

■ Make your home safer by getting rid of things you could trip over and adding grab bars to inside and outside tubs or showers and next to toilets.