The aging adult population faces many challenges in everyday life. Loss of mobility, independence, increased health risks and growing memory impairment are all risk factors older adults may experience as they continue to age. However, the biggest obstacle for many seniors to overcome is how to avoid a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause for injury among older adults in the United States, with 1 in every 4 adults age 65 and older falling each year. In Canada, the average Canadian older adult stays in hospital 10 days longer for falls than for any other cause.
There are a variety of reasons why seniors fall, including increased mobility and balance issues, reduced muscle strength, poor vision or hazardous weather conditions. Some seniors may also experience dizziness or weakness from their medications. This is why knowing how to prevent falls in the elderly is so important to avoid a debilitating injury.
Since 2008, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) has spread awareness and prevention tips with Falls Prevention Awareness Day on the first day of the fall season in September in the United States. This year, the NCOA is celebrating 10 years of falls prevention awareness with the theme 10 Years Standing Together to Prevent Falls. The organization will be hosting numerous broadcasted events through social media, including a live Facebook discussion on September 22 at 3:00 p.m. ET.
In Canada, Fall Prevention Month will take place in November. This campaign encourages Canadian organizations and individuals to come together to coordinate fall prevention efforts for a larger impact, with the belief that it takes a community to prevent falls in seniors.
Be sure to tune in for the NCOA broadcasts this month! Additionally, we have compiled 5 tips for preventing falls in aging adults and improving senior safety:
Discover worry-free living with Symphony Senior Living, offering a wide variety of living and care options to meet your needs. Our experienced, 24/7 care staff and emergency response system are here for you or your loved one so you can rest assured that if an accident were to occur, assistance is always available. Contact us today to learn more, or to schedule a personal tour.