As we age, staying healthy and independent becomes even more important – but so does staying safe. For adults aged 65 and older, unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death, with two dangers topping the list: falls and motor vehicle accidents. The good news? Both are largely preventable with awareness and the right precautions. In this month’s article, we take a closer look at these risks and offer practical tips to help you or your loved ones stay safe.
Falls: The Leading Cause of Accidental Death and Injury in Older Adults
According to the CDC, more than one in four older adults falls each year, and falls account for over 32,000 deaths annually in the U.S. for people over 65. Beyond the immediate danger, a fall can lead to long-term loss of independence and mobility.
Why Seniors Fall
- Decreased balance and muscle strength
- Poor vision or hearing
- Side effects from medications
- Home hazards like loose rugs or poor lighting
Fall Prevention Tips
- Exercise regularly to improve strength, balance, and coordination. Gentle activities like walking, tai chi, or water aerobics can help.
- Review medications with your doctor or pharmacist to identify those that may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Get annual vision and hearing checks. Poor eyesight and hearing increase the risk of falling.
- Make your home safer:
- Remove tripping hazards (like throw rugs and clutter)
- Add grab bars in bathrooms and railings on stairways
- Improve lighting in hallways and staircases
- Use non-slip mats in showers and tubs
- Motor Vehicle Crashes: A Growing Risk for Older Drivers
While many older adults continue to drive safely well into their 70s and 80s, age-related changes in vision, hearing, reaction time, and cognitive function can affect driving ability. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), adults aged 65+ are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash than younger drivers.
Safe Driving Tips for Seniors
- Consider a senior driving evaluation to assess your current driving abilities and receive personalized feedback.
- Get regular vision and hearing exams. These senses are critical for safe driving.
- Evaluate your medications – some may impair your ability to drive.
- Avoid driving at night, in bad weather, or during rush hour if those conditions feel challenging.
- Plan your routes to avoid complex intersections or high-speed highways if they make you uncomfortable.
For those who no longer feel safe driving, it’s important to explore transportation alternatives – whether it’s rides from family, public transit, or companion driving services like those offered by Seniors Helping Seniors.
Final Thoughts
Awareness is the first step to prevention. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, older adults can continue to live active, independent lives safely. Whether it’s making small adjustments at home or behind the wheel, every precaution helps reduce the chance of serious injury.
At Seniors Helping Seniors(R) in-home services, we’re committed to helping older adults thrive with confidence – at home and in the community. We offer specialized senior driving evaluations to assess safety, build confidence, and support continued independence behind the wheel. In addition, we provide a complimentary Senior Driver Safety Seminar that shares valuable tips, strategies, and resources to help mature drivers stay safe and comfortable on the road.
If you or a loved one would benefit from either of these services, we’d be happy to share more details and help you get started.
Stay safe and stay well!
The post Preventing the Top Two Causes of Accidental Death for Seniors 65+ appeared first on Seniors Helping Seniors.