Published: July 1, 2009

An estimated one in three adults 65 years old and older experience a fall each year. While all age groups are vulnerable, 60 percent of fall-related deaths occur among people 65 and older. Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury-related death for males 80 and older and for females 75 and older. Persons who have suffered a fall are twice as likely to suffer another one within six months.

Hip fractures, primarily the result of falls, account for some 300,000 hospitalizations each year. About 20 percent of people who suffer a hip fracture will need nursing home care within a year, and 20 percent will die within a year of suffering the fracture. Nearly half of those who survive a hip fracture never regain full mobility, nor their former quality of life.

But, the good news is that many of these falls and related injuries can be prevented just by following a few simple steps.

What We Can Do to Prevent Falls

First and foremost have an open and honest discussion about fall prevention. Older adults may not report having a fall as they feel this could risk their independence at home.

For older adults, falls and the resulting injuries can diminish the ability to lead active, independent lives. Falls are caused by a number of things. Changes in vision, hearing, strength, and coordination can increase a person’s risk. Older adults are most at risk falling and women are at greater risk than men. People can reduce their chances of falling by making small adjustments in the home and lifestyle such as:

• Leading an active lifestyle. Physical activity is one of the most important ways to reduce the chances of falling. It makes people stronger and decreases the chances of falling.
• Making home safer (e.g., removing things that can be tripped over, removing throw rugs, installing grab bars and handrails, using non-slip mats in the bathtub/shower, using a night light). About half of all falls happen at home.
• Having a health care provider review medicines. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make a person drowsy or light-headed, which can lead to a fall.
• Having vision checked. Good vision can decrease the chances of falling.
• Wearing appropriate footwear.
• Consider getting a LifeLine Personal Emergency Response System.

For individuals WHO may be at increased risk for a fall, you may want to consider additional home modifications.

General Areas

• Create color contrasts between walls and floors; lighter-colored floor surfaces are preferable.
• Minimize changes in walking surfaces, and use slip-resistant coverings such as rough tile and carpet with short, dense pile.
• Increase lighting and reduce the contrasts in lighted areas.
• Install wall-mounted light fixtures, accessible while standing on the floor, that use two bulbs.
• Install more outlets to minimize the use of extension cords.
• Relocate switches so that the homeowner doesn't have to walk through darkened areas.
• Modify small changes in levels, especially single steps.

Stairways

• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs; position top of the railing at elbow height of the homeowner.
• Mark the nose of each tread with a contrasting color.
• Use a different color contrast to mark the first and last steps.
• Limit stair rise to seven inches; make tread at least 11 inches.
• Remove thick (3/8 inch or thicker) carpets and padding on treads.

Bathroom

• Securely install grab-bars in tub/shower and near toilet at height and angle best suited for homeowner's needs; tubs/showers typically require two bars positioned for support when entering and exiting, respectively.
• Install slip-resistant tile.
• Increase door width to 30 inches for homeowners with wheelchairs or walkers.

Source: National Safety Council