“People can die after a fall for many reasons, which may include head trauma, internal bleeding and complications of a bone fracture,” he said. “Fractures can lead to hospitalization, immobility in bed and respiratory or other infections, which can be fatal.”

What is the most common cause of injury deaths in the elderly?

Falls are common and costly, especially among Americans age 65 and older. But falls are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging. Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group.

What causes you to die when you fall?

Decelerating rapidly – which is what happens if the human body falls and then makes sudden impact – can cause cells to rupture. Like cells, blood vessels can also break open, preventing the circulation of oxygen throughout the body. Without oxygen, our organs, including the brain, cease to function.

What are the most serious consequences of a fall in the elderly?

For seniors, fractures are the most serious consequence of falls (short of death). The most common bones to fracture in falls are: The hip, femur (thigh bone), pelvis, and vertebrae (spine);

What happens to elderly people when they fall?

Effects of a Fall on the Elderly The most obvious effect of a fall is an injury. Common injuries from falls for the elderly include hip fractures and head injuries, and can also include broken arms and legs. Around 300,000 elderly people are hospitalized for hip fractures, most of which occur from falling sideways.

Is fall leading cause of death?

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults age 65 and older, and the age-adjusted fall death rate is increasing. The age-adjusted fall death rate is 64 deaths per 100,000 older adults. Fall death rates among adults age 65 and older increased about 30% from 2009 to 2018.

What are the main causes of falls in the elderly?

Top 5 Causes of Falls

• Impaired vision. Cataracts and glaucoma alter depth perception, visual acuity, peripheral vision and susceptibility to glare.
• Home hazards. Most homes are full of falling hazards.
• Medication.
• Weakness, low balance.
• Chronic conditions.

What to watch for after an elderly person falls?

8 Things the Doctors Should Check After a Fall

• An assessment for underlying new illness.
• A blood pressure and pulse reading when sitting, and when standing.
• Blood tests.
• Medications review.
• Gait and balance.
• Vitamin D level.
• Evaluation for underlying heart conditions or neurological conditions.

What are three psychological effects of a fall on an older person?

Falls can cause adverse psychological impact on carees, increased fear of falling again, decreased self-efficacy, and confidence in balance [5].

How long does it take for an elderly person to recover from a fall?

In fact, the source reported that in a study, only one-third of seniors who were classified as severely or moderately disabled prior to their fall were able to fully recover within one year.

Why are falls bad for the elderly?

Older people are more likely to break bones in falls because many older people have porous, fragile bones due to osteoporosis. Additionally, seniors are more likely to have complications from surgeries, as the sedation and additional trauma to the body make the recovery more risky.

What are the 3 types of falls?

Falls can be classified into three types:

• Physiological (anticipated). Most in-hospital falls belong to this category.
• Physiological (unanticipated).
• Accidental.