Preventing Falls - Fifty-Plus
Updated: 2.17.11
Annually, one in three Americans over 65 years old is injured in a fall. The rate of falls for Anne Arundel County residents is slightly higher than both the Maryland and national averages. Hip fractures are a common result of these falls. Every year, approximately 212,000 Americans fracture their hip, and many of them never regain their same activity level.
Falls can also cost a lot of money. Billions of dollars are spent on fall injuries. The direct cost of a hip fracture is $18,700.
These tips can help reduce your chances of falling:
- Exercise regularly.
- Have your vision checked once a year.
- Have a doctor or pharmacist check your medications.
- Make some practical changes to your home. Exercise helps improve balance and coordination. Exercise also builds strength in muscle and bone. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, cataracts, and wearing the wrong glasses can prevent you from seeing tripping hazards.
Some medications can make you drowsy, dizzy or light-headed, especially when combined with other prescription drugs.
Over half of all falls occur at home. Making some simple changes such as improving the light in a room and removing tripping hazards can help prevent falls.
What do I do if I fall?
Planning ahead can help prevent falls from happening. Make sure a phone with emergency numbers can be reached from the floor. If you fall, follow this advice:
- If possible, try not to move.
- Keep warm. Use a blanket, coat or rug to cover yourself. This will help prevent shock.
- See a doctor immediately. The fall may have caused an injury you are unaware of, and may be an indicator of a more serious condition.
For more information on fall prevention, call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health's Learn to Live Program at 410-222-7979. Request the Fifty Plus Health Kit with information on Physical Fitness/Injury Prevention. In it you will receive practical health tips, local resources, helpful websites, a healthy lifestyle newsletter and brochures with information on physical fitness and injury prevention.
For more information on a service that will have someone check on you every day, call the Department of Aging's Friendly Visitor Program at 410-222-4464.