Falls: Common, Costly, PREVENTABLE

Recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight 3 key features related to falls¹.  1) Falls are quite common.  2) Falls are costly, both from a financial perspective and a quality of life perspective.  3) Falls can often be prevented! 

1. Common: In the United States in a given year, 1 out of every 4 individuals over the age of 65 report having a fall.  Out of these ~14 million falls, nearly ⅓ report being injured as a result of their fall. 
2. Cost: Each year falls result in around 3 million emergency department visits and 1 million hospitalizations with injuries ranging from minor sprains/strains/contusions to more serious injuries like fractures, traumatic brain injuries and even death.  This can obviously result in major financial strain due to the cost of medical interventions and/or missed work.  Beyond financial burden, those with balance issues or who have had falls often miss out on important life events due to injury or due to fear of further falls.  This can create a cycle that extends beyond just one isolated event. 
3. Prevention: The good news is that many falls can be prevented.  If you have had falls or are fearful of falling, consulting with your medical providers can be a place to start.  Medical reviews can rule out medication interactions that may put an individual at increased risk for a fall and also provide avenues for screening for conditions like osteoporosis (a condition that can place an individual at higher risk of fall related fractures).  Improving balance through strength and balance focused exercise is also very helpful in reducing fall risk and frailty in general.  The National Council on Aging recognizes physical therapists as essential partners in helping people move better and reduce their risk of falling². 

If you have had a recent fall or feel like your level of balance/steadiness puts you at risk of falling, I advise you to discuss this with your medical providers and if deemed appropriate, seek out consultation with a physical therapist to design a tailored approach to improving your balance.  At Full Potential Physical Therapy, any of our skilled physical therapists would be happy to consult with you and get you back to feeling more confident about your balance.  

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older Adult Falls Data. Older Adult Fall Prevention. Published May 9, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/index.html
2. Worried About Falling? Consider Physical Therapy. Ncoa.org. Published May 3, 2023. https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-a-physical-therapist-can-help-you-reduce-your-risk-of-falling/