What is the leading cause of injury and death among people 65 and older? 80 and older? Not cancer or COPD. Not heart attacks of strokes. Falls.
Every year 80% of people 65 and older and 50% of people 80 and older fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital trauma admissions.
How do you prevent falls in the elderly?
- Fall prevention classes are available though your local Area Agency on Aging.
- Many Ys and Medicare Advantage policies also offer classes.
- Keeping “fit not frail” can help prevent a fall, reduce injuries and speed recovery.
- Some studies show that yoga, too can decrease the incidence of falls.
This fall…er, autumn, you go yoga?
Elder law attorney, Terry Garrett, is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and is an Approved Guardianship Attorney. She assists people in elder law, estate and special needs planning, guardianship and settling estates. She graduated with honors from Cornell University. She was on the Dean’s List at Wharton Business School. She earned her J.D. at Columbia Law School, receiving the Parker Award and a Mellon Fellowship.
