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| Fall Prevention |
As the population of the United States ages, the negative impact of falls continues to increase. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control:More than 1/3 of adults aged 65 years and older fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for trauma among older adults. Older adults are hospitalized for fall related injuries five times more often than for injuries from other causes. Of those who fall, 20-30% suffer moderate to severe injuries that reduce mobility and independence, and increase the risk of premature death. By 2020, the estimated annual cost for fall related inujuries for people aged 65 and older is expected to reach $43.8 billion.
Fall prevention and home safety measures can help minimize the occurrence of falls and help ensure more successful aging in place for Michigan's seniors. Often just increased awareness, simple reminders, and precautions can make a difference in extending the quality time that older citizens can remain living in their own homes, apartments or supported living arrangements.Contact the Centers for Disease Control for a free brochure on "What You Can to Prevent Falls" at 1-770-488-1506. For more information on fall prevention:
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