Falls on the Rise Among U.S. Seniors

For American seniors, a fall can have disabling or even fatal consequences. And a new study finds that the rate of older people who suffer a fall is actually on the rise.

A research team at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, tracked national data from adults aged 65 and older. They found that the number of older adults with at least one self-reported fall in the past two years rose from about 28 percent in 1998 to about 36 percent in 2010.

Contrary to their hypothesis, the researchers observed an increase in fall prevalence among older adults that exceeds what would be expected owing to the increasing age of the population.

According to the research team, falling remains the most common cause of injury among older Americans, and it's believed that about one-third of seniors will suffer a fall each year.

Two experts stressed that there are ways seniors can lower their odds for a tumble, however.

Interactive educational programs that teach senior citizens how to strengthen their muscles and retain their balance are important to help this population improve their balance and strength and, thus, decrease their risk of falls.

Many injuries heal or can be surgically repaired, but these injuries can have devastating effects on quality of life, including hospitalization, surgery and often nursing home stays. Many patients do not regain their prior level of function and independence, and those who do are often plagued by apprehension about future falls.

There are many ways to help prevent falls in the home, including:

• elimination of throw-rugs,
• keeping the path to the bathroom well-lit at night,
• avoiding medications that cause light-headedness or disorientation,
• maintaining good nutrition and hydration,
• engaging in exercise programs that boost muscle mass and balance.

In fact, any "changes in medication and exercise regimen should be discussed with a doctor, and besides remember tht not all falls are preventable, and medical management of osteoporosis can reduce fracture risk.

The findings were published online Jan. 19, 2015 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

REFERENCES:

Matthew Hepinstall, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon, Lenox Hill Hospital Center for Joint Preservation & Reconstruction, New York City; 

Grace Rowan, R.N., registered nurse educator, leader, falls prevention program, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, N.Y.; JAMA Internal Medicine, news release, Jan. 19, 2015