What is the leading cause of injury for older people?

Think about this question for a moment – what would you guess?

To give you a few hints, this type of injury happens to 1 in 3 of people over the age of 65.

Of those, a third require medical attention. Sadly, each year 11,000

older people die from this cause. It costs a staggering $20 billion

annually in direct medical costs, which is more than the annual budget

for the Federal Department of Homeland Security. By the year 2020, the

cost is estimated rise as high as $54.9 billion.

What is this cause of the injury? Falls.

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older folks. All it takes is a slip on a patch of ice, a stumble on the stairs or a brief loss of balance to cause tremendous pain or even death. Former first lady Nancy Reagan, now 87, fell recently at her home and was hospitalized for a fractured pelvis and sacrum.

Half of the 11,000 deaths mentioned above were caused by traumatic brain injury, which can occur when victims hit their heads during the fall. Sometimes the symptoms of brain injury mimic dementia. Serious complications can result from a misdiagnosis.

Prevention starts with you. Here are several things you can do to reduce your risk:

andbull; Exercise to maintain strength, balance and flexibility

andbull; Clear pathways in your home or work place

andbull; Secure throw rugs and electrical cords

andbull; Make sure stairways are safe and have adequate lighting and handrails

andbull; Add lighting fixtures to brighten your home

andbull; Install grab rails and non-skid mats in the bathroom

andbull; Use non-skid cleaning products on your floors

andbull; Store items within easy reach

andbull; Wear shoes with good traction

andbull; Take it slow when moving from sitting to standing positions

Partner with your physician to have eyes testing yearly, hearing tested every two years, and let your doctor know if you feel dizzy or light headed

If you want to learn more, go to aarp.org and enter “prevent falls” in the search line.

Miles is the administrator at St. Elizabeth Care Center