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The Effects of Falls in the Elderly

As people age, falling becomes more common. Eyesight and a declining sense of balance are the most common reason for falls in the elderly. The Centers for Disease Control reports that one out of every three people 65 and older falls annually, and among them, women have a 46 percent greater risk of injury from a fall. White women are more at risk for fall injuries than are black or Asian women.

  1. Injuries

    • Broken bones and head injuries are the most severe effects of falls in the elderly. Broken arms, legs, ribs and hips take time to heal, and surgery might be involved to begin the healing process, something that takes longer in seniors than other age groups. Some injuries might involve hospitalization and skilled nursing care with extensive rehabilitation. In 2009, the CDC reported that 2.2 million nonfatal fall injuries were treated in emergency rooms, and 26 percent of those falls required hospitalization.

    Mortality Rates

    • Falling injuries contribute to the likelihood of an earlier death. Forty-six percent of seniors who received traumatic brain injuries from a fall died in 2000. According to the CDC, 20 percent of people who fracture their hips die within one year of the accident, and 25 percent of patients need skilled nursing care for a year after breaking a hip.

    Outcomes

    • Seniors sometimes react to the threat of falling by isolating themselves and avoiding movement, one of the last things they should do. Once seniors can go home after a hospitalization and rehabilitation, they might not be able to live as independently as they did before the accident. Medicare provides some services, such as visiting nurses, physical therapy and assistance with cooking and cleaning, for seniors who require help at home after hospitalization for a fall. Paying off bills for hospital treatment and rehabilitation services can hurt seniors financially, reducing their discretionary spending.

    Prevention

    • Taking calcium supplements helps bones remain strong and better able to absorb the impact of falls. Better lighting in the home also helps the elderly to see. Removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs also reduces falling. People can install grab rails in bathrooms to reduce slipping on wet floors or slippery tubs. Weight-bearing exercises help seniors build strength and improve balance and flexibility.

      Some prescription drugs create drowsiness or dizziness that can slow reaction time or cause stumbling. Consulting with a pharmacist or physician can steer seniors away from bad drug combinations.

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