Why you should be thinking about fall prevention

The odds of a fall and the devastating effect it can have, make prevention a must.

· Falls are one of the most serious health risks among seniors over the age of 65, affecting more people than stroke and heart attacks combined.

· Falls are the leading cause of death due to injury in those people 65 and over.

· 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls. 40% of those hospitalized for hip fracture do not return to independent living and 20% will die within a year.

· More than half (55%) of all falls by seniors take place in the home. An additional 23% occur outside but near the house. Lifeline can intervene in close to 80% of all falls.

· Most falls go unreported, but it is expected that 35-40% of people over the age of 65 fall each year.

· Those who fall are 2-3 times more likely to fall again.

· Many chronic medical conditions place millions more seniors at risk. Cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, diminished hearing and eyesight, and Parkinsons all leave seniors vulnerable to helplessness at home.