The Impact of Falls on Older Adults

Written by: Dr Tim Trodd (Functional Medicine)

Falls are a significant health issue among older adults, leading to loss of function, disability, and even death. As individuals age, their risk of falling increases due to various factors, including decreased muscle strength, balance, and vision problems.

Prevention

There are two main reasons for training in this context. Firstly, it helps maintain strength, balance, and dexterity, making a fall less likely. Secondly, we should maintain a reserve of muscle and fitness so that, if we have an accident or illness and spend some time immobile or in the hospital, we do not decompensate and lose the ability to care for ourselves. In order to build strength and muscle, diet plays a part; you may need to eat more protein.

If you have never been to a gym you actually stand to gain the most benefit by starting out, compared to somebody upping their hours of exercise.

Of course, any injuries or illnesses have to be taken into account, so it always pays to get professional advice.

The Numbers

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA:

One in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year.
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults.
Approximately 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries annually.
Over 800,000 patients are hospitalized each year because of a fall injury, most often due to a head injury or hip fracture.
The direct medical costs for fall injuries are estimated to be $50 billion annually.
About 20-30% of older adults who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries that reduce mobility and independence.
Falls often lead to a fear of falling, which can result in reduced physical activity and further loss of function.
Hip fractures caused by falls can lead to long-term disability; around 50% of older adults who suffer a hip fracture never regain their pre-fall functioning.
Falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide.
In the United States, over 30,000 older adults die as a result of falls each year.
The death rate from falls among older adults in the U.S. has increased by 30% from 2007 to 2016.