Preventing Falls For The Elderly

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As people age they become more vulnerable because of their deteriorating physical health. Where their bodies were once young and spry, they lose their flexibility and strength. Eventually falling becomes a serious threat to the life of an elderly person.
            Falling is a more serious threat for the elderly than any other age group. Falls are actually the number one cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for elderly Americans (National Council on Aging). “Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall” (National Council on Aging).
The statistics show us the seriousness of falls. The next step is to be proactive with preventing them. Consulting with a doctor is always a good game plan but don’t make it your only one. Leslie Kernisan advises you to identify you or your loved one’s risk factors that contribute to falling because you can’t assume that all doctors will identify and manage the most important risk factors (Kernisan, 2017).
A persons physical well-being changes as they age. Their bodies start to weaken with age making them more vulnerable to falling. Identifying risk factor for falling and talking with a professional can be the difference between having a fatal fall and or avoiding one altogether.

Reference
“Falls Prevention Facts.” NCOA, National Council on Aging, 4 June 2018,   https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/



Kernisan, Leslie. “Fall Prevention: Why Older Adults Fall & What to Do.” Better Health While     Aging, 2 Nov. 2017, betterhealthwhileaging.net/why-aging-adults-fall/.


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