According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year one-third of adults over 65 have a fall. And the older one gets, the higher their risk of falling. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries.

Nearly 22,000 older adults died from accidental falls in the United States in 2010. That same year there were 2.3 million fall injuries in older adults treated in emergency departments, and more than 662,000 of these patients were hospitalized. The direct medical cost of falls was $30 billion.

It is likely that any collected statistics about falls, including the number of people who have one each year, are greatly underreported, since many older adults do not seek medical treatment nor even reveal to their healthcare provider, family members or friends that they have fallen.

Twenty to thirty percent of those who fall in this older age group suffer moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures or a traumatic brain injury. In fact, over 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falls. These injuries may lead to a long rehabilitation time and make it difficult to live independently.

Many who fall fear falling again. This may limit their activities leading to reduced mobility and fitness. This can actually increase the risk of falling even more as well as the potential to develop chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes or depression, due to inactivity or isolation.

Many falls are preventable. Here are a few tips to help older adults lower their risk of having a fall.

1. Exercise regularly. This is probably the most important measure one can take to reduce falls. In particular, exercises that focus on improving balance and strength, such as tai chi, are key. LMH Therapy Services offers three levels of tai chi classes, called Balance for Life, which are taught by certified physical therapists for older adults. The next sessions begin the week of Aug. 18. For more information or to enroll, call (785) 505-2712.
2. Make adjustments to your home inside and out to protect against falls. Add properly installed grab bars in the tub or shower area and by the toilet. Remove any tripping hazards such as scatter mats or floor clutter. For a full list of fall risk hazards, go to www.cdc.gov and search “falls, checklist for safety” or call LMH Community Education at (785) 505-3066.
3. Get your eyes checked regularly and update your eyeglass prescription if needed. Improve the lighting in your home and use room or night lights if you have to get out of bed at night.
4. Wear sturdy footwear that have non-slip soles and full support at the front, back and sides of the foot.
5. Review all of your medications with your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as nutritional supplements have dizziness or drowsiness as side effects. If you are experiencing these symptoms, your medications might need to be adjusted.

For more information about falls, prevention tips and exercises to reduce fall risk, attend the free seminar, “Don’t Be One of the One-Third,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at LMH. This is part of the monthly Senior Supper and Seminar program. Come early at 5 p.m. and enjoy a three-course meal presented by LMH Dining Services/Unidine. Cost of the meal is $5.50. To secure your reservation for the meal, call LMH Connect Care at 749-5800 by 5 p.m. on July 14. Advance registration is required for the meal only.

LMH Therapy Services in conjunction with community partners Senior Services of Douglas County and the Lawrence Public Library also offer a more comprehensive seven-week fall prevention and exercise program called Stepping On. The fee is $25. For more information or to enroll in the next session, which begins Sept. 25, call 842-0543.

Aynsley Anderson is Community Education Coordinator for Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She can be reached at aynsley.anderson@lmh.org.