The Clermont County Health District recently completed a Health Assessment of Clermont County residents. One area of the survey assessed falls. Respondents over the age of 45 were asked a series of questions pertaining to falls including how many times they have fallen in the past 12 months. As would be expected, respondents over the age of 65 were most likely to have fallen, accounting for over 35% of all falls that were reported. Additionally, those over the age of 65 were also more likely to have reported multiple falls, with 50% of respondents who have fallen indicating they have done so on more than one occasion.
Respondents between the ages of 55-64 accounted for 31% of falls and respondents between the ages of 45-54 accounted for 34% of falls. Almost one-quarter of respondents (24.2%) indicated that at least one fall required medical assistance.
Falls occur more in adults over the age of 65 but should not be expected or accepted as a normal part of getting older. True, there are some age related health factors that do contribute to the number of falls. But all of these factors can be identified and some can be changed. Not every older adult falls and with some changes falls can be prevented.
There are some health factors that make an individual more at risk for a fall. Risk factors include mobility or walking problems, taking four or more medications, foot problems, vision difficulties, tripping hazards in the home, and blood pressure that drops too much on standing up suddenly. To see if you are at risk for a fall visit the fall prevention website.
The Health District has a Senior Safety Program that works to reduce the number of falls by seniors in the home. The program offers free education through handouts and group presentations utilizing a fun Fall Prevention Bingo Game, conducting free home safety checks by trusted volunteers including Fire and EMS and when possible providing free remediation items such as grab bars and nightlights if risks are identified in the home.
Updated: 06/05/2009