Details:

Alternative Title:
J Safety Res
Personal Author:
Lee, Robin ; Moreland, Briana
Lee, Robin ; Moreland, Briana Less -
Description:
Introduction:

In 2017, unintentional injuries were the seventh leading cause of death among older adults (age ≥ 65), resulting in over 55,000 deaths. Falls accounted for more than half of these deaths. Given that older adults are the fastest growing age group in the United States, we can anticipate that injuries will become an even greater health concern in the near future.

Methods:

Aging without injury is possible. There are evidence-based strategies that can reduce falls. However, older adults may not realize that falls can be prevented or they may be afraid to admit their fear of falling or difficulty with walking as these issues may signal their inability to live independently.

Results:

In this commentary, we will highlight what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is doing to prevent older adult falls. We also highlight the importance of broadening older adults’ awareness about falls to successfully empower them to begin contemplating and preparing to adopt fall prevention strategies that can help them age in place.

Conclusions:

Older adult falls are common and can result in severe injury and death but they can be prevented. Broadening older adults’ awareness about falls can empower them to take the actions necessary to reduce their fall risk.

Practical applications:

Increasing awareness about falls can help older adults, healthcare providers, and local and state health departments take steps to reduce fall risk.


Subject:
[+]
Accidental Falls Aged Aged, 80 And Over Aging Article Awareness Female Health Personnel Humans Male Safety Walking Wounds And Injuries
Source:
J Safety Res. 70:272-274
Pubmed ID:
31848005
Pubmed Central ID:
PMC7001090
Document Type:
Journal Article
Funding:
CC999999/ImCDC/Intramural CDC HHS/United States
Name as Subject:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) ; STEADI
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) ; STEADI Less -
Place as Subject:
United States
Collection(s):
CDC Public Access
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:6f96f6960bafc4f7a9eb79e437cf85522b00e3dbf024ca2de02afccf0820d883
Download URL:
https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/84936/cdc_84936_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

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