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Falls in older adults are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are a major class of preventable injuries.Falling is one of the most common accidents that cause a loss in the quality of life for older adults, and is usually precipitated by a loss of balance and weakness in the legs.
Gait deviations – These are the main changes that occur in the gait patterns of older adults, which may contribute to the incidence of falls. Older adults may experience a 10–20% reduction in gait velocity and reduction in stride length, an increase in stance width and double support phase, or a bent posture.
Falls in older adults are a major class of preventable injuries. Construction workers, electricians, miners, and painters are occupations with high rates of fall injuries. Long-term exercise appears to decrease the rate of falls in older people. [5] About 226 million cases of significant [clarification needed] accidental falls occurred in 2015. [2]
About 36 million falls are reported among older adults in the United States every year. Many people who have had a fall don’t want to go to the concussion doctor or a hospital.
Steps that older adults can take to reduce their risk of falls and fractures include getting screened for osteoporosis, especially for women 65 and older, Rao said, and getting regular exercise.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force say vitamin D supplements do not reduce the risk of falls or bone fractures in healthy older adults. The draft recommendation notes vitamin D can be helpful ...
Falls are the leading cause of emergency department admissions and hospitalizations in adults age 65 and older, many of which result in significant injury and permanent disability. [15] As certain risk factors can be modifiable for the purpose of reducing falls, this highlights an opportunity for intervention and risk reduction.
Balance and falls. More than one in four adults (28%) 65 and older report falling each year, costing the US health system about $50 billion annually. Falls can lead to serious injury, loss of ...