HEALTH, NEWS

Preventing Fall injuries in Seniors

When Gayle my beloved mother in law broke her hip, everything changed. She passed out walking to the mailbox possibly from the side effects of medication.  About a year  after her fall, she passed away from cancer. Her story is heartbreaking, but sadly, it’s not uncommon.

About 20% to 30% of seniors die within one year after breaking a hip according to the CDC.

For many seniors, a serious fall can trigger a chain of health problems that become very hard to recover from. Gayle’s experience reminds us why preventing falls is so important — not just for protecting bones, but for protecting lives.

Years ago, even after writing an  article for Surfside WA News about fall prevention, I slipped and fell. I broke my wrist. Even today, I live with a stiff wrist that limits my flexibility. It’s a daily reminder that falls can happen to anyone — and the impact can last a lifetime.

The Most Common Causes of Falls Among Seniors

Statistics show that falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors. According to the CDC, every year about 3 million older adults end up in the ER because of a fall, and more than 800,000 are hospitalized — often for hip fractures or head injuries.

Here’s a look at the activities most likely to cause a fall, ranked from most common:

  1. Walking or using stairs — uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, and missing handrails make falls easy.
  2. Bathing or showering — slippery surfaces are one of the biggest dangers in the home.
  3. Reaching for high shelves — climbing on chairs or step stools can lead to bad falls.
  4. Nighttime bathroom trips — rushing in the dark increases the risk.
  5. Outdoor errands or activities — cracked sidewalks, curbs, or wet leaves can be hazards. Gardening is a major cause of injuries especially with tree pruning.

Simple Ways to Prevent Falls

While the risk of falls increases with age, there are many simple steps seniors can take to stay safer:

1. Improve Home Safety

  • Add grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs.
  • Use non-slip mats inside and outside the tub.
  • Keep walkways clear of clutter, cords, and loose rugs.
  • Install brighter lights, especially in hallways and bathrooms.

2. Stay Physically Active

  • Gentle exercises like Tai Chi, yoga, or balance classes strengthen muscles and improve stability.
  • Walking regularly, even short distances, helps maintain leg strength.

3. Review Medications

  • Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects that increase fall risk.

4. Get Vision and Hearing Checked

  • Poor eyesight or hearing can make it harder to avoid obstacles.
  • Correcting vision or hearing loss can make a big difference in safety.

5. Choose Proper Footwear

  • Wear shoes with good grip and avoid heels or slippers that are too loose.

6. Make Nighttime Safer

  • Keep a lamp within easy reach of the bed.
  • Install motion-sensor lights to automatically light the path to the bathroom.

Walking poles

Using walking poles offers important benefits for seniors, especially when it comes to balance, stability, and overall safety. Walking poles help distribute body weight more evenly, reducing the strain on hips, knees, and ankles. They provide extra points of contact with the ground, making it easier to stay steady on uneven surfaces or when walking for longer distances. Many seniors find that using poles improves their posture, strengthens their upper body, and builds confidence, reducing the fear of falling. Whether for casual walks around the neighborhood or more challenging outdoor trails, walking poles can make a big difference in maintaining mobility and independence and preventing injury. In Surfside, walking along roadways can be hazardous due to uneven roadways due to standing water. Protect yourself with some walking poles available for under 50 dollars. It’s a small price to pay to save tens of thousands of potential medical costs not counting impacting your monthly for the r st of your life.

Pacific County’s Efforts to Help Seniors Stay Safe

Pacific County, Washington, is trying to better understand fall risks in our community. They’re running a Falls Prevention Survey to hear directly from residents about their experiences.

Your feedback can help shape better programs to prevent future injuries.

They are also offering free home safety assessments through Pacific County Fire District #1, helping seniors identify risks before accidents happen. The link below also has tips on preventing falls.
Learn more here.

Final Thoughts

Fall prevention isn’t just about avoiding bruises and breaks — it’s about preserving independence, health, and life itself. Stories like Gayle’s, and even my own wrist injury, show how important it is to take falls seriously before they happen.

A few simple changes around your home — and a little extra care — can make all the difference. Please take the time to fill out the Pacific County survey, and share it with others you care about. Together, we can make our community safer for everyone.