NASW Practice Snapshot:
Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention
Office of Social Work Specialty Practice
Falls have been identified as one of the most prevalent public
health problems facing older adults today. Falls are the leading
cause of serious injuries and injury-related deaths for people age
65 and older (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2000).
One out of every three people in the United States over age 65 falls
each year and two-thirds of those who fall do so again within six
months (CDC, 2000). When not life threatening, falls are a source
of injury, immobility, psychosocial dysfunction, diminished quality of life,
and increased rates of institutionalization.
The causes of falls can be divided into two categories: personal
factors and environmental factors. Personal factors include muscle
weakness, balance problems, limited vision, and side effects of certain
medications. Environmental factors include home hazards such as clutter,
loose rugs, poor lighting, and a lack of assistive devices such as
railings along stairwells or grab bars in the bathroom.
Personal factors that can reduce the risk of falling include :
- Increasing muscle strength through exercise;
- Addressing problems with walking or balance;
- Asking the doctor or pharmacist to review all medications; and
- Having vision checked regularly.
Environmental factors that can reduce the risk of falling include:
- Removing throw rugs and clutter in walkways;
- Using non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors;
- Wearing shoes that have non-slip soles;
- Installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower;
- Having handrails installed on both sides of the stairwell; and
- Improving lighting throughout the home.
Falls also have serious psychosocial consequences including fear,
anxiety, depression, reduced self-efficacy, social isolation, and
the potential loss of independence. Fractures are the most feared
consequence of falls. Eighty-seven percent of all fractures among
older adults are due to falls. Half of all older people hospitalized
for hip fractures cannot return home or live independently after
a fall-related injury (CDC, 2000). Older adults may fear reporting
falls because falling is negatively associated with getting older
and becoming more dependent.
Falls are neither an unexpected or inevitable consequence of aging,
but they are a serious threat to the health and independence of the
older adult population. For these reasons, knowledge of the risk
factors associated with falling is an important aspect in helping
to reduce the incidence of falls with older clients.
NASW is committed to helping social workers empower their clients
to live healthier lives. As a participating partner in National Public
Health Week, NASW and other partner organizations throughout the
nation are assisting with a public health campaign that will focus
on preventing health-related problems by practicing healthy living,
prevention, and early detection to promote a high quality of life
in later years.
References
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. (2000). U.S. fall prevention programs
for seniors. Washington , DC : Author.
Resources
American Public Health Association (APHA)
www.apha.org
Home Safety Council
www.homesafetycouncil.org
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/ncipc
National Institute on Aging
www.nia.nih.gov
The U.S. Administration on Aging
www.aoa.gov
NASW, April 2005
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