Primary Cause of Injury Over Age 65

Falls. Falls are the leading cause of non fatal and fatal injuries for those over age 65. Each year one of three Americans 65 and older falls. About one third require medical help. Here is some helpful information for you, a family member or friends.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2008 analysis of 2005 statistics on falls, nearly 16,000 older people died from falls. The reason? Head injuries or traumatic brain injury. There are also errors made in medical treatment if there is a misdiagnosis.

Three things you can do to minimize your danger:

1. Home. Make your home and environment safe. Eliminate throw rugs, slippery surfaces or wires to trip over.

2. Notice if your medications make you dizzy or disoriented. Talk to your healthcare provider immediately if they do.

3. Exercise regularly to maintain strength and balance.

Even agile singer Rod Stewart, 63 slipped on a step as he walked onstage for a concert this year; the result, ten stitches in his leg.