It’s a new month and we have a new study confirming the serious threat that falls pose to older adults. According to a recent report from the CDC examining the incidence of non-fatal and fatal falls among older adults (65 and older), from 2020-2021, there was a 7.6% increase in deadly falls (not to mention an increase in significant injuries sustained). Almost ½ of those deaths involved head injuries and 30% were attributable to hip fractures as a result of the fall. While the data show that women fall more than men, it turns out that men are more likely to die due to their falls than women. Different geographic regions report varying levels of non-fatal and fatal falls, which may have to do with the health of their populations or the effectiveness of safety and fall reduction programs. But regardless of the geographic region, we know that overall in the US, unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, and the leading cause of injury-related deaths in this population, with medical costs reaching approximately $50 billion each year due to falls. The CDC publishes a range of resources to help professionals, patients, and families reduce the fall risk for older adults. To check out these resources, hold onto a grab bar and click here and here. You can also check out all prior agebuzz posts on falls here.

We’ve said previously once you have one fall you are at increased risk for another. As you may know, Senator Mitch McConnel has previously had and continues to have regular falls and though none have been fatal, it’s conjectured that his recent health scares are a result of his previous falls. Even more vigorous-seeming older adults, such as Sir Elton John, have falls that can land them in the hospital. You, in fact, may be working on fall prevention and better balance and yet not making the kind of improvements you thought you would. It’s a process that takes time, diligence, and effort; so many moving parts need to work together to keep you stable and upright. Core muscle strength, along with lower limb and ankle strength, all need to work together to keep you stable. And your senses- vision and hearing- also need to be in good working order. In fact, new research just published reports that for those with hearing loss, the use of a hearing aid is associated with a lower risk of falling in older adults. Hearing loss is in fact directly implicated in balance problems, and correcting your hearing (along with strength-building exercises) may significantly lessen the likelihood of a fall and subsequent injury. To find out more, insert your hearing aid and click here.

So what are you doing to make sure you don’t end up as another fall statistic? Perhaps you need some new ideas to jumpstart your fall prevention efforts. While you should always check with your doctor, one approach is taking up a yoga practice and learning the correct yoga poses to improve your balance. It’s an accessible way, either at home or in a yoga studio, to strengthen your core and lower body (along with calming your mind). For some suggested poses to help get you started, roll out your mat and read here. You may also want to consider joining some online yoga classes hosted by agebuzz guest blogger Louise Applebome. Alternatively, there are many resources touting the fall prevention benefits of Pilates, which can be done while standing on 2 feet (no getting on the floor necessary). Take a look at some suggested Pilates moves for better balance here, or watch some experts take you through some moves here and here. Finally, there’s a new movement afoot (pun intended) to encourage older adults to take up ballet for balance, as it offers a wide variety of movements while strengthening your lower limbs and challenging your brain. There are innumerable adult ballet beginner programs around the country. Or, to try out a virtual class online from the Royal Academy of Dance Beginners Ballet for Adults program, grab some tights and look here. What have you got to lose, except your fear of falling?