Falls can and should be prevented

 Did you know that falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors? I was surprised to read that between 20% and 30% of seniors fall each year. Falls and associated outcomes not only harm the person that falls, but when a person falls, it also affects family, friends, care providers and the health care system. However, we do know that these personal and economic costs can be avoided through injury prevention activities.

Among Canadian seniors, falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations, and absolute numbers are on the rise. Falls can lead to negative mental health outcomes such as fear of falling, loss of autonomy and greater isolation, confusion, immobilization and depression. In addition to the negative physical and mental health consequences of falling, there are significant associated financial costs, estimated at $2 billion annually, a value 3.7 times greater than that for younger adults.156

Results from the data analysis in the Seniors’ Falls in Canada SECOND Report indicates that:

·        self-reported injuries due to falls are increasing, specifically by 43% between 2003 and 2009/2010. The majority of falls resulted in broken or fractured bones, and over one-third of fall-related hospitalizations among seniors were associated with a hip fracture.

·        Fracture-induced physical limitations augment the need for support on the part of older adults themselves and their caregivers and increases pressure on Canadian health care systems.

·        When hospitalization data are examined, the results show that seniors who are hospitalized for a fall remain in hospital an average of nine days longer than those hospitalized for any cause. This discrepancy highlights the disproportionate health care costs of fall-related injuries in comparison to other causes of hospitalization. Even more worrying is that the number of deaths due to falls increased by 65% from 2003 to 2008.

Each older person may face a unique combination of risk factors according to his or her life circumstances, health status, health behaviours, economic situation, social supports and environment. Factors that put seniors at risk of falls include chronic and acute health conditions, balance or gait deficits, sensory factors, inadequate nutrition, social isolation, as well as factors related to the built and social environment.

Falls among seniors are preventable; however, addressing this growing public health problem is a shared responsibility. Progress in the prevention of falls and their resulting injuries requires continued collaboration, among governments, health care providers, non-government organizations, care associations and services, as well as Canadians themselves. Over the years, Canada has laid a foundation for good health and well-being across the life course. However, as our population ages, focused efforts on fall prevention will be required to maintain and improve the quality of life and well-being of seniors and to ensure that they continue to contribute and participate in society