If you are over the age of 65, it is vital to focus on the risks you face with respect to falls. Whether you suffer an injury after slipping on a slick surface or you become hurt after falling down due to uneven steps, clutter or other hazards, an accident could disrupt your life in different ways.
In addition to reviewing risk factors associated with falls and understanding how an accident could impact your life, you should go over data on older adults and fall-related accidents in order to understand how prevalent they are.
How many older adults fall in New Jersey each year?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published data on older adult falls in New Jersey. In 2018, 21.3% of those 65 and over fell down in New Jersey. It is important to note that this figure is lower than the national average. In 2018, 28.8% of those 65 and over fell down in the U.S.
How do falls affect older adults?
According to the CDC, roughly 37% of the older adults who fell in 2018 reported injuries that resulted in becoming restricted from activities or needing medical treatment. Older adult falls led to 8 million injuries in 2018, based on estimates. Projections anticipate that by 2030, older adult falls will cause 12 million injuries on an annual basis.
As an older adult, you could face significant hardships after a fall. Painful injuries could lead to immobility and interfere with your ability to live independently. You could struggle with medical bills and other financial challenges, such as losing the ability to work. It is pivotal to evaluate your options after falling down, especially if another party’s negligence played a role in the accident.