According to the National Council on Aging, one in three older Americans falls every year — making it the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people over the age of 65.
Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones and head injuries. And even falls without a major injury can cause an older adult to become fearful or depressed, making it difficult for them to stay active.
The good news about falls is that most of them can be prevented. To reduce your loved one’s risk of a fall, ask about their last eye checkup, talk about medications and do a walk-through safety assessment through their home, among other things.
