Rochester Fall Prevention Resources

Each year, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls. Falls can lead to moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and can even increase the risk of early death. Fortunately, falls are a public health problem that is largely preventable.

How big is the problem? One out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year; Among those age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury death. They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma; In 2007, over 18,000 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries; the death rates from falls among older men and women have risen sharply over the past decade; in 2008, 2.1 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 559,000 of these patients were hospitalized; and in 2000, direct medical costs of falls totaled a little over $19 billion—$179 million for fatal falls and $19 billion for nonfatal fall injuries.

Excellus BCBS: Preventing older adults from falling

What outcomes are linked to falls? Twenty percent to 30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures, or head traumas. These injuries can make it hard to get around or live independently, and increase the risk of early death.6,7, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, or TBI.8 In 2000, TBI accounted for 46% of fatal falls among older adults, most fractures among older adults are caused by falls.9 The most common are fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand, and many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, leading to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, which in turn increases their actual risk of falling.
source: Center for Disease Control

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How to Prevent Falls-Better Balance, Independence and Energy in 6 Simple Steps by Betty Perkins-Carpenter, Ph.D.,

The Six-Step Balance System^TM was developed to address the greatest threat to human walking skills: falls and fall-related injuries. These six steps empower seniors to improve their balance and energy. This balance training book is a life-saver for seniors and an invaluable tool for anyone who works with them. You too can gain the benefits that thousands of others already have through the wisdom found in this book.

“This book is an informative and immensely practical guide for seniors to achieve better balance through fitness. Realistic goals of exercise are repeatedly stressed throughout the text. There is no claim here of developing senior Olympians, but rather an exercise program designed to avoid falls as well as an emphasis on the strong, positive social concequences of self-confidence induced by balance exercise.” William J. Hall, M.D., Director of the Center for Healthy Aging, University of Rochester

Betty Perkins-Carpenter, Ph.D., president of Senior Fitness Productions, Inc., has made a life-long career of teaching people of all ages to be swimmers and divers, to be physically fit, and to be safe and secure in their activities of daily living. She has taught at the University of Rochester, St. John Fisher College in Rochester and remains active as a consultant, lecturer, teacher and advocate on issues related to fitness and safety for senior citizens.

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