Why Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls among Older Adults Is Important

Slips, trips and falls occur unexpectedly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, 1 out of 3 adults falls, resulting in severe disabilities. Unintentional fall injuries led to the death of about 20,400 older adults in 2009. Leading healthcare centers offer slip and fall prevention programs to help older adults maintain wellness and quality of life.Specific Issues Caused By Slips and FallsInjuries caused by falls lead to a sedentary lifestyle, impaired function, fear of falling, loss of confidence, and a lower quality of life. Here are some of the physical disabilities and medical conditions that an older adult can face due to a fall:Moderate to severe injuries - lacerations, hip fractures, or head traumas which limit mobility and affect the ability to lead an independent lifestyle. These injuries can also cause early deathTraumatic brain injuries (TBI). According to CDC data, such injuries are responsible for most of the fatal falls among older adultsFalls account for most fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and handThe fear of falling among older people makes them limit their activities, which in turn, reduces their mobility, impairs physical fitness, and increases their risk of falling.