The statistic is stunning, yet may be a familiar data point. A new study out of the University of Buffalo reports that from 1999-2017, more than 7.8 billion medications that can increase the risk of falling were prescribed to older adults and that deaths as a result of falls more than doubled during that time. In fact, in 2017, 94% of older adults were prescribed a medication that raised their risk of falling. The stark fact is that nearly every older person has had their risk of falling increased as a result of the medications their physicians prescribe. That’s a shocking number, yet likely a familiar experience to most older adults or their loved ones who have dealt with the trauma and consequences of even “minor” falls- which may, in fact, not be so minor. As a result of “minor” non-fatal falls, injuries such as hip fractures or head trauma can dramatically affect the quality of a person’s remaining life. The CDC documents that every year, we spend $50 billion dollars on medical costs related to non-fatal falls in the US and $754 million on fatal falls. That’s an enormous amount of money and more importantly, an enormous amount of injury and death befalling (no pun intended) our senior population. Of even further concern is data showing that African American women receive the largest quantity of these medications and that deaths from falls increased 160% among white women over age 85 from 1999-2017.

The drugs singled out by this study include such commonly taken medications as antidepressants, antihypertensives (for high blood pressure), tranquilizers, and antipsychotics. Clearly, an immediate and urgent response to this data must include a renewed effort by physicians to “deprescribe” or review medication regimens with the goal of reducing the number and type of prescriptions that older adults are given. Even non-prescription medications can cause problems as well. For example, a recent study out of Johns Hopkins published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that higher doses of Vitamin D supplements in older patients provide no benefit and may increase the risk and severity of falls. As lead researcher Dr. Lawrence Appel made clear, “A lot of people think if a little bit is helpful, a lot will be better. But for some vitamins, high-dose supplements pose more risks than benefits. There’s a real possibility that higher doses of vitamin D increase the risk and severity of falls.”

The social isolation caused by the coronavirus pandemic has also posed an increased risk of falls among older adults. According to a study in Nature: Scientific Reports, older adults living alone who are socially isolated are at greater risk for falls. This British study found that those who lived alone or had few social contacts were up to 24% more likely to have falls than those who were more socially engaged. Not only is this a real concern given the year we’ve all lived through but it underscores the need for caregivers, loved ones, and social service agencies to maintain a level of connection and engagement with isolated seniors who may be at increased risk of falling. Additionally, the loss of muscle mass and sedentary lifestyle so many have endured during the pandemic heightens the risk of falls among those over 65. Yet experts acknowledge that with physical exercise and proper diet these pandemic, fall-inducing side-effects can be reversed. For more insight into counter-acting fall risks and improving your balance and stability, make a return visit to read the advice from Balance and Falls expert Molly Roffman, our agebuzz balance guru!