The Risks and Costs of Falls for Older Adults
“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.”
The words of Ms. Fletcher from LifeCall’s medical alert commercials, which spotlighted the risks and costs of falls for older adults in the late 1980s, still resonate today. Falls are on the rise, and given the potential cost of injury, it’s a serious matter.
According to the CDC, falls among adults 65 or over caused 36,000 deaths in 2020, making it the leading cause of injury for that demographic. This is somewhat surprising, given that conditions such as dementia receive more attention than falls, but it does not take much imagination to understand why the costs of falls for older adults are so high; for instance, we can all understand that a head injury suffered in a fall can be life-altering.
Given that falls cause more deaths than any single disease, it seems wise to take proactive measures to improve our balance. Fortunately, the technology designed to provide alerts in case of a fall is better than ever, and our understanding of how to exercise to prevent falls continues to develop.
With so much at stake, it is critical for seniors and their loved ones to understand the costs of falls, as well as measures they can take to mitigate their risk. In many cases, simple steps such as adding safety equipment to the bathroom or decluttering furniture can decrease the odds of a costly fall. To spread the word about this important topic, this article dives into the risks and costs of falls for older adults, as well as 5 preventative measures you can take to mitigate the risks and costs of falls.
The Risks and Costs of Falls for Older Adults
Risks of Falls
The 36,000 falls that caused death in 2020 are only the tip of the iceberg. According to the CDC, 3 million emergency dispatchers were sent help to seniors who had fallen in 2019, and the total cost of those falls was over $50 billion.
Falls lead to a variety of issues. CDC numbers indicate that 95% of broken hips are the result of a fall, and falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.Those are two of the most significant risks, but falls can also result in broken wrists, arms, and ankles.
The CDC estimates that one in five falls results in a serious injury, and with 800,000 annual hospitalizations due to falls, that is easy to believe. Even if a senior escapes injury from a fall, there could be mental consequences. If the fear of another fall causes a senior to avoid activities that could challenge their balance, they may grow frailer and be at greater risk if another fall occurs.
Costs of Falls
The vast majority of the $50 billion spent annually on fall-related costs goes to non-fatal injuries. While that figure is significant on its own, it only accounts for the direct medical costs. That number leaves out the long-term cost of disability, which includes increased dependence on others, an inability to work, and a decreased quality of life.
Depending on where you live in the United States, the average cost of a fall could be anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000. The aftermath of a fall can also create further costs. The injured individual may be unable to perform basic tasks, leaving them reliant on others to perform daily activities. They could also need professional assistance with their rehabilitation and transportation to these appointments.
Your doctor can evaluate your risk of falling, and help to assess the steps you need to take to protect yourself. This is an area of your health where it is wise to be proactive, as the costs of falls are significant. If you wait until after you fall and suffer an injury, your options may be significantly more limited.
5 Preventative Measures to Mitigate Risks and Costs of Falls
Many issues contribute to falls. We can group these issues into three general areas: physical, cognitive, and nutrition/medication.
On the physical level, any condition associated with aging or frailty can increase the risk - and potential cost - of a fall. These conditions may include balance problems, foot pain, lower-body weakness, and vision problems.
Cognitive issues can also result in a fall. For instance, if memory issues cause a person to lose their bearings near a staircase or another uneven surface, they may inadvertently lose their balance due to a missed step. Accidentally stepping on ice, loose gravel, or a drop-off can have dire consequences, particularly if the individual is in a confused mental state.
Nutrition and medication can also factor into falls. The CDC notes that Vitamin D deficiencies are associated with falls and increased risk of injury, and many medications have side effects that can contribute to falls. This is something you should discuss with your doctor when considering any new medications.
Fortunately, while there are many causes of falls, there are as many things that seniors can do to decrease their risk. Here are some actions seniors can take to protect themselves from falls.
Preventative Measure #1: Have the Proper Equipment
Technology has evolved at a rapid pace in the decades since LifeCall went on the market, and today’s fall alert monitors are better and more stylish than ever. Instead of wearing a fall-specific device - which some seniors disliked due to the perceived stigma - today’s older adults can simply wear an Apple Watch. Other companies are likely to add Fall Detection features to their devices in years to come, but the Apple Watch has led the way among the top fitness trackers in incorporating this capability.
LifeCall’s product only worked in the home, but the Apple Watch offers fall protection anywhere you have cell phone reception. The Apple Watch can also be set to go off for medication reminders. On top of that, it can track fitness markers, do an EKG test, and even read out your grandchildren's text messages, all while helping with fall safety!
Preventative Measure #2: Nutrition
The CDC notes that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with falls and injury, but while taking Vitamin D supplements is a start, it may not be enough. For instance, other inputs, such as Vitamin K2, impact the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D, which means that you need to take a holistic approach.
Proper diet is important at any age, but seniors should understand the changing needs of their bodies. This knowledge can help them eat to optimize physical and mental vitality. The right plan will allow seniors to maintain proper levels of nutrients, which will positively impact all aspects of health.
Preventative Measure #3: Balance and Strength Exercises
Like anything else in life, movement is a skill, and it can be deliberately practiced. Many yoga practices will enhance your balance. These classes also offer multiple opportunities to get up and down from the floor, an ability we all want to maintain.
Another popular practice is Tai Chi, which some refer to as “walking meditation.” Tai Chi is a calming practice that is done at a gentle pace. The practice asks you to balance on specific parts of the foot and move in all directions. These movements can decrease your risk of a fall during daily activities.
Maintaining strength is also an effective preventative measure. Seniors who can maintain muscle mass, particularly in their lower bodies, are better equipped to maintain their balance and protect themselves in case of a tumble. Seniors may not be able to lift the type of weight they could have in their twenties, but that is not the objective; maintaining functional strength decreases the odds of a devastating fall, and allows seniors to continue to pursue the activities that they enjoy.
Preventative Measure #4: Proper Footwear
Thick-soled shoes may come to mind for some when they think of “senior shoes”, but this may be an outdated view. Thick-soled shoes can be useful in some circumstances, but they reduce the amount of information sensed through the feet, which has a negative effect on balance.
Studies have shown that wearing minimalist shoes, which offer a “barefoot” feel, while walking can increase foot strength as much as a foot strengthening program. These shoes give the feet more room to spread out and allow you to feel the ground you are standing on. That increased awareness will naturally improve your sense of balance.
Preventative Measure #5: Make Your Home a Safe Space
There are two ways to make the home a safe space if you want to age in place: adding safety items and taking away hazards. Simple additions, such as grab bars in the bathroom, double railings on staircases, and non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower can decrease the risk of a fall.
Seniors can also decrease their risk of a fall by ensuring they can get around their home safely. Broken or uneven steps, bunched-up rugs, or cluttered passageways can all be the cause of a fall. Making sure that these types of issues are taken care of is a low-cost way to decrease the risk of suffering a costly fall.
Closing Thoughts
Falls are a serious concern, and while injury can result at any age, the increased frailty of age increases the odds that a senior will suffer severe consequences. A fall can have devastating effects, but with the proper knowledge, we can reshape our bodies and our environments to decrease the risk of a life-altering injury.
To learn more about how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from a potential fall, visit the Safer Homes section of Age Better Resources for more articles on senior safety!