An estimated 17.1% of Ohioans are age 65 or older, and one-fourth of them fall each year.

 

Falls are the leading cause of injury among people 65 and older in Ohio, leading in 2018 to 1,309 deaths, 19,409 hospitalizations, and 78,995 emergency department visits, according to mortality data from the Ohio Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics and discharge data from the Ohio Hospital Association.

 

Falls account for 55.9% of fatal traumatic brain injuries among Ohioans age 65 and older, and, for survivors, can lead to depression, loss of mobility, and loss of functional independence.

 

-Exercise programs to improve balance and strength

-Medication management

-Vision improvement

-Reduction of home hazards

-Fall prevention education

 

Refer to the Ohio Ten Big Steps to Prevent Falls Campaign for useful tips on how to reduce fall risk in our daily lives. 

 

Please contact Stephanie Lambers, TriHealth Community Benefit/Special Projects Consultant, for more information on fall prevention awareness activities that people can do at home.